Bayern lose to Leipzig as title race takes new twist
BAYERN Munich dramatically handed Borussia Dortmund the chance to take over at the top of the Bundesliga after expected Bayern arrival Konrad Laimer scored in RB Leipzig’s 3-1 away win on Saturday.
Serge Gnabry had given Bayern a deserved lead but Laimer, who reports say will move to Bavaria in July, and penalties from Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai sealed a definite Champions League spot for third-placed Leipzig and their first ever win in Munich.
Bayern’s first home league loss of the season means Dortmund will re-assume the Bundesliga lead by two points if they win at Bavarian side Augsburg on Sunday, with just one round of matches left next Saturday. Bayern go to mid-table Cologne and Dortmund host Mainz.
Austria midfielder Laimer told Sky: “We didn’t start the game well.
But we said we have to take our chances and in the end we deserved to win.” Asked if he was moving to Bayern, he smiled: “Let’s see. My contract runs out at the end of the season and it’s nice here. I don’t rule it out.” Bayern have won the last 10 Bundesliga titles but have been inconsistent this term after failing to replace goal machine Robert Lewandowski and sacking coach Julian Nagelsmann in March.
New boss Thomas Tuchel, a former Dortmund coach, has since overseen their exits from the Champions League and German Cup as well as handing the title initiative to Dortmund - last champions in 2012.
Bayern seemed to be cruising at half-time after a majestic team goal which started in their own half and heavily involved the vibrant Thomas Müller. Gnabry netted via the post on 25 minutes.
But like so often this season, Bayern lost their way. Laimer scored on 65 after Nkunku’s pass was blocked before the France striker - also set to leave for Chelsea in the close season - converted a spotkick after being fouled by Benjamin Pavard.
Szoboszlai made sure of the win and a sixth Champions League qualification in just seven seasons in the Bundesliga for the Red Bull-backed side after Noussair Mazraoui’s handball in the 86th.
“It is not like they played so much better than us. But in the second half we were weak in our buildup play and with some mistakes we welcomed Leipzig back in,” Müller said.
“If Bayern aren’t top of the league, then there is something wrong.” Dortmund also had the title in their hands before a 1-1 draw at Bochum in late April had given Bayern the advantage.
Bottom side Hertha Berlin were relegated after a video review wiped out a goal and Bochum struck in injury time for a 1-1 away draw, which kept Schalke in the relegation play-off spot.
Hertha were last relegated from the top flight in 2012 before bouncing straight back.