Bayern Munich Faces Freiburg After Champions League Setback

FREIBURG, Germany — Bayern Munich, still reeling from a 3-0 defeat to Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Champions League, faces Freiburg in a Bundesliga clash on Saturday. The match, part of the league’s 19th round, comes as Bayern risks missing direct qualification for the Champions League knockout stage.

Bayern’s last Bundesliga loss to Freiburg dates back to May 16, 2015, when the Breisgauer secured a 2-1 victory. Since then, Freiburg has managed only one win in their last 43 league encounters with the record champions. Despite their recent struggles in Europe, Bayern has shown resilience in domestic play, winning four of their last five Bundesliga matches.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the team’s recent challenges but remained optimistic. “We have zero fear of the playoffs,” Kompany said after the Feyenoord defeat. “We won’t sugarcoat anything, but we also won’t let this setback define us.” The Belgian coach made a tactical substitution at halftime, replacing Konrad Laimer, while Freiburg’s defense, led by Gernot Trauner, held firm.

Meanwhile, RB Leipzig, fresh off their first Champions League group-stage win against Sporting Lisbon, hosts league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen, despite a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in Europe, remains a formidable force in the Bundesliga, having lost just one of their last 52 league matches.

Leipzig’s 2-1 victory over Sporting marked a turning point after six consecutive defeats in the competition. “This win gives us momentum,” said Leipzig’s coach. “We know Leverkusen is strong, but we’re ready for the challenge.”

As the Bundesliga season progresses, all eyes are on Bayern Munich’s response to their European disappointment and whether Freiburg can capitalize on their rare opportunity to upset the giants.