Bayern Munich maintained their position at the top of the Bundesliga with a 3-1 (2-0) away win at SC Freiburg. Goals from Dayot Upamecano, Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise secured the points in a match overshadowed by the absence of ill head coach Vincent Kompany.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks took charge on the touchline and saw his side take an early lead. In the 16th minute, centre-back Upamecano won the ball, embarked on a long run, was played in by Olise and finished the counter-attack coolly. Just before half-time, Gnabry doubled the advantage from a tight angle after a pass from Nathaniel Brown. Bayern controlled much of the game but conceded a late own goal from Tom Bischof (82nd) before Olise sealed the 3-1 win in stoppage time.
Eberl hails "big victory"
Sporting director Max Eberl was visibly moved after the final whistle. "I don't think we even realise what we really achieved today," he said. "The win today is three points, but it's a much bigger victory than just three points." The team had travelled to south-west Germany under a cloud of concern after Kompany collapsed and required emergency medical treatment on Friday. Danks provided a positive update before kick-off: "The feedback at the moment is really positive. He's getting a little better every day."
Bayern were missing several key players alongside their manager. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (tendon irritation in his foot), Joshua Kimmich, Luis Díaz (muscle bundle tear) and Aleksandar Pavlovic (calf problems) were all unavailable. Jonas Urbig started in goal and youngster Nathaniel Brown also came into the line-up. The victory consolidates their lead at the top of the standings with 19 points from seven games, now five points clear of the chasing pack. Next up is a home fixture against 1. FC Köln on Saturday at 15:30, which can be found in the fixtures list.
The start in Freiburg was unusual as a pyro display from home fans shrouded the pitch in smoke for several minutes. After the delay, Bayern quickly found their rhythm and allowed the hosts few opportunities. For Freiburg, who lost 3-0 to Monaco in the Conference League prior to this match, it was a first home defeat of the season. Bayern, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in the league.
