“The team gave everything and played with courage throughout. It was clear that there would be spaces for Bayern,” summarised Christian Streich after the final whistle, lamenting also what could have been with the late consolation goal: “Had it come earlier, we would have had another few minutes to find an equaliser.”

Freiburg travelled to Munich unbeaten in ten league games this season. The coach made one change to the team that beat Greuther Fürth at home, with Manuel Gulde coming into the side for Kevin Schade, meaning a change of system to a three at the back.

The record champions, having been in Champions League action in midweek, made three changes to the eleven that started the 5-2 win over Benfica. Niklas Süle, Lucas Hernández and Thomas Müller came in for Benjamin Pavard, Tanguy Nianzou and Serge Gnabry.

Lively start from Freiburg

SCF made a promising start to proceedings. After a low ball in from Vincenzo Grifo in the opening minute, Dayot Upamecano had to steer the ball over his own goal under pressure.

It wasn’t long before danger threatened Mark Flekken’s goal, however. After a chipped ball in by Leroy Sané, the ball landed at the feet of Niklas Süle 12 yards from goal, but his shot on the turn was unable to beat the Freiburg Keeper. Kingsley Coman’s strike two minutes later had the same result (4’, 6’).

The game was open and entertaining in the opening quarter of an hour, and Lucas Höler had a huge chance to make it 1-0 after 12 minutes. After an error from the Bayern defence, the forward found himself free in front of goal, but his volley went just wide of the post.

Goretzka gives the home side the lead

Freiburg were making life difficult for their hosts, winning the ball well and transitioning with conviction. But FCB were always dangerous and Joshua Kimmich had a chance with an overhead-kick (27’), before Bayern took the lead two minutes later through Leon Goretzka. He was played through in the box and made no mistake against Mark Flekken (30’).

SCF did not seem to falter after going behind but did not manage to create any more goalscoring opportunities in the last quarter of an hour before half time. Despite getting in some good areas, the FCB defence was now better positioned to keep the visitors at bay.

The battle between first and third in the table remained an open one in the second half at the sold-out Allianz-Arena. Maxi Eggestein (48’) and Nicolas Höfler (49’) both shot off target shortly after the restart. Leroy Sané shot straight at Flekken for the hosts (53’) and Robert Lewandowski hit the post (56’).

Excitement all the way

The home side managed to wrestle control of the game in the middle of the second half, seeing a lot of the ball. 15 minutes from time came the second and decisive goal of the day. Robert Lewandowski poked the ball home after good work from Sané in the build-up (75’).   

SCF did not give up, however. Nicolas Höfler forced Manuel Neuer into a save with a header – a chance to get his team back in the game (85’). Janik Haberer did get one back in the second minute of time added on, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance against his angled shot from inside the penalty area. Christian Streich’s team couldn’t make it count in the final minutes, however, and sustained their first defeat of the season.

Despite the 2-1 loss, Freiburg go into the international break third in the table, with a home game against Eintracht Frankfurt to come on Sunday, 21st November at 15:30 CET.