Bayern Munich’s hopes of retaining their Bundesliga title suffered a setback as they conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Freiburg at the Europa-Park Stadion on Friday. The champions looked set to claim a narrow victory after goals from Kingsley Coman and Harry Kane, but Freiburg’s Lucas Höler scored in the 89th minute to snatch a point for the hosts.
Bayern are now eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who have a game in hand, and face a tough challenge to catch up with 11 matches remaining. Freiburg, meanwhile, moved up to ninth place and extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
Coman shines for Bayern
The visitors started brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute when Coman headed in a cross from Eric Dier, who was making his first start for Bayern since joining from Tottenham in January. The French winger was a constant threat on the left flank and doubled his tally in the 52nd minute with a low shot from the edge of the box.
Coman, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, now has 10 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season, making him Bayern’s most productive player. He also became the first player to score a brace against Freiburg in the Bundesliga since Robert Lewandowski in 2017.
Freiburg fight back
Freiburg did not give up and responded with a goal of their own in the 59th minute. Roland Sallai’s free kick was flicked on by Manuel Gulde and Höler was on hand to poke the ball past Manuel Neuer from close range. The goal gave Freiburg a boost and they pushed for an equaliser, while Bayern tried to kill the game off with counter-attacks.
The decisive moment came in the dying minutes when Höler scored his second goal of the night with a stunning volley from outside the box that left Neuer helpless. The striker, who had only scored three goals in his previous 22 appearances, became the hero for Freiburg and the villain for Bayern.
Tuchel’s future in doubt
The result will increase the pressure on Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, who announced earlier this week that he will leave the club at the end of the season. The German tactician, who has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, has failed to replicate the success of his predecessor Hansi Flick, who led Bayern to a treble last season.
Tuchel has been criticised for his team selection, tactics and man-management, and has reportedly fallen out with some of his players, including Kane and Leon Goretzka. Bayern have already been eliminated from the Champions League and the German Cup, and now face a uphill battle to retain their domestic crown.
