Bayern Munich 0-2 Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund triumph in Der Klassiker to effectively end hosts title challenge
Bayern Munich's Bundesliga title hopes were all but dashed after a 2-0 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, leaving them 13 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen with seven games remaining.
Bayern, winners of the previous 11 league titles, were inefficient in attack, with their first shot on goal coming late in the second half, after normally lethal striker Harry Kane had earlier missed their best chances.
Dortmund won their first league game in Munich in ten years, and the Ruhr Valley club tightened their grip on fourth place, which will advance them to the Champions League group stage next season.
When asked if the title race was essentially over, Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, who will leave at the end of the season, replied, "Obviously, yes."
"After today's game there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen."
"We are very disappointed because we felt we did not bring the necessary passion to win the game. It was too little from us when it came to the basics."
Dortmund scored with their first chance in the 10th minute, thanks to a mistake by Thomas Mueller and Julian Brandt's superb through ball to Karim Adeyemi.
Adeyemi, who is competing for a spot in hosts Germany's Euro 2024 squad, finished the quick break with a fine finish that beat goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.
The Bayern goalkeeper, filling in for the injured Manuel Neuer, came to the rescue several times in the second half, but was defeated again in the 83rd minute by Julian Ryerson's powerful low drive.
The Bavarians came close through Kane, whose header went narrowly wide and another shot was stopped by Mats Hummels.
With disappointed Bayern fans leaving the stadium before the final whistle, the England striker had the ball in the net in the 89th minute, only to have his header disallowed for offside.
Bayern, who face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals next month, remain on 60 points, while Leverkusen, who won 2-1 over Hoffenheim, have 73. Dortmund are fourth with 53 points, three ahead of RB Leipzig, who were held to a goaless draw by Mainz.
SportsLigue