Lennart Karl completes remarkable Bayern Munich comeback in Freiburg
Lennart Karl scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich fought back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Freiburg.
Freiburg 2-3 Bayern Munich
Goals: 1-0 Manzambi 46’ (assist: Eggestein), 2-0 Höler 71’ (assist: Beste), 2-1 Bischof 81’ (assist: Karl), 2-2 Bischof 90’+2 (assist: Olise), 2-3 Karl 90’+9 (assist: Davies)
Bayern travelled to Freiburg without the services of star striker Harry Kane, who was ruled out with an ankle injury sustained on England duty. The Black Forest club, meanwhile, were hoping to end a dismal run against the record champions, having won just once in their previous 45 Bundesliga meetings.
The absence of Kane didn't prevent Bayern from controlling possession in the early stages, with Tom Bischof testing Noah Atubolu from distance. Freiburg grew into the game, though, and nearly took the lead when Philipp Treu fired just wide after good work from Niklas Beste.
Manuel Neuer - who turned 40 on 27 March - then demonstrated his enduring class with two outstanding reaction saves, denying Lucas Höler and Philipp Lienhart, albeit with both efforts subsequently flagged offside.
Manzambi and Höler put Freiburg in control
Julian Schuster's half-time team talk clearly worked wonders as Freiburg took the lead within a minute of the restart. Johan Manzambi collected the ball on the left, drove inside and unleashed a spectacular 25-yard strike that flew past Neuer into the far corner.
The hosts should have doubled their advantage when Höler twice went clean through only to miss the target on both occasions. Vincent Kompany responded by introducing Michael Olise, Konrad Laimer and Aleksandar Pavlović in a triple substitution, but Olise immediately wasted a golden opportunity when he volleyed wide with just Atubolu to beat.
Höler made no mistake with his third big chance of the half, tapping home after Neuer failed to deal with Beste's corner to make it 2-0 in the 71st minute and send the home fans into raptures.
With Freiburg seemingly in control, Kompany turned to Jamal Musiala, who replaced Serge Gnabry as Bayern searched for a route back into the match. The visitors looked increasingly desperate until Bischof produced a moment of magic, firing a low shot from distance past Atubolu to reduce the arrears nine minutes from time.
Bayern break Freiburg hearts
Alphonso Davies was introduced for Minjae Kim as the visitors threw caution to the wind. The equaliser arrived in the 92nd minute when Olise teed up Bischof, who curled home his second goal from the edge of the box.
The drama wasn't over yet, though, as Karl completed the remarkable turnaround in the ninth minute of added minute, tapping in Davies' cross to spark wild celebrations from the Bayern players and bench.
Man of the Match: Luis Díaz
While Bischof and Karl grabbed the headlines with their goals, Luis Díaz was a constant threat throughout for Bayern.
The Colombian winger won an impressive 16 challenges - more than any other player on the pitch - and was at the heart of Bayern's attacking play.
His spectacular overhead kick attempt in the first half showcased his confidence and technical ability, while his direct running consistently troubled the Freiburg defence.
Indeed, Díaz's pressure on the Freiburg backline in the closing stages helped create the space for Bischof and Karl to complete the comeback.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Freiburg 1.68 - Bayern 1.50
Fastest player: Cyriaque Irié (SCF), 35.03 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Johan Manzambi (SCF), 3 percent
Most pressed player: Luis Díaz (FCB), 24 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Leon Goretzka (FCB), 2.35
Fantasy Heroes: Tom Bischof (Bayern Munich, 437 Points), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich, 313 Points), Noah Atubolu (Freiburg, 292 Points)
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