BUNDESLIGA: Bayern title hopes suffer setback after 3-2 loss to Gladbach

Bayern Munich suffered a crushing 3-2 defeat at the hands of Borussia Monchengladbach in a thrilling Bundesliga encounter on Saturday.

Dayot Upamecano’s early red card set the tone for a difficult day for Bayern, who were further undone by Lars Stindl, Jonas Hofmann and Marcus Thuram’s goals for Gladbach.

Despite Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Mathys Tel scoring for the visitors, the damage had already been done, leaving Bayern’s hopes of an 11th straight Bundesliga title hanging in the balance. The loss, coupled with a win for Union Berlin on Sunday, could see them slip to second place, with Borussia Dortmund also hot on their heels.

The match got off to a disastrous start for Bayern, as Upamecano received his marching orders for a rash tackle on Alassane Plea just eight minutes into the game. Stindl capitalized on the numerical advantage, putting Gladbach ahead with a well-placed shot that beat Yann Sommer.

Bayern fought back, equalizing through Choupo-Moting after a brilliant assist from Alphonso Davies, but Hofmann restored Gladbach’s lead with a calm finish after a clever pass from Plea. Ramy Bensebaini came close to extending the home side’s lead before Thuram’s goal put the game beyond reach.

Although Tel’s late goal provided some consolation for Bayern, the result was a major blow to their title defense. With tough fixtures ahead, Julian Nagelsmann’s side will need to regroup quickly if they hope to keep their grip on the Bundesliga trophy.