SAN FRANCISCO, November 22, (THEWILL) – Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich dropped points for only the second time this season as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Werder Bremen on Saturday.
The visitors arrived the Allianz Arena having avoided defeat in their previous four outings, though each of those ended in 1-1 draws.
Bayern, who had earned 10 consecutive victories coming into this fixture, was expected to dominate the match. Rather, they were wasteful, giving up the best of the first-half chances.
Manuel Neuer’s brilliant save denied Josh Sargent from close range early on, before Leonardo Bittencourt volleyed into the side-netting when he might have done better.
The early loss of Theo Hernandez to injury did not do the hosts’ rhythm any favours. It led to the introduction of Leon Goretzka as both Javi Martinez and David Alaba changed positions in a reworked formation.
Werder capitalised on that defensive uncertainty. Sargent again burst in behind down the flank that was marshalled by Martinez and Alaba, then, pulled back for central midfielder Maximilian Eggestein to sidefoot home just before half-time.
Milot Rashica had the chance made it two just after the restart. But he took too long in a one-on-one situation, allowing Brazilian Douglas Costa to react by cracking the bar with a deflected effort.
The hosts then went on a spell of long overdue pressure that finally paid off when Kingsley Coman headed in Goretzka’s right-wing cross at the back post.
In the 63rd minute, Hansi Flick introduced Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to provide some bite in the attack and win the game but Bayern did not create much of note in the final half-hour.
But for Neuer’s fine one-handed stop, the visitors could have snatched a late win through Sargent with five minutes of normal time remaining.
Bayern will return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they host Salzburg, while Bremen’s next Bundesliga outing is away at Wolfsburg on Friday.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
