Bayern’s fading Bundesliga hopes further dented by Freiburg draw

Bayern Munich’s struggling defence of their Bundesliga title was dealt another major blow on Friday, as they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Freiburg at the Europa-Park Stadion. This result extends the German champions’ winless away run to three matches.

The wheels have certainly fallen off for Thomas Tuchel’s side in recent weeks, and their fragility was evident again early on as the hosts took a shock 12th minute lead. Manuel Neuer had made a remarkable point-blank save to deny Lucas Holer but Christian Gunter punished the visitors with a crisp first-time volley into the far corner.

Bayern were struggling and fortunate not to concede again when Gunter and Vincenzo Grifo both went close for the rampant home side. However, Tuchel’s team showed some fightback, weathering the storm to great effect and equalising before half time through youngster Mathys Tel’s moment of magic, as he curled the ball in a sublime effort from the edge of the box.

The second half saw Freiburg immediately remind Bayern of their threat, with Maximilian Eggestein firing just wide. However, it was Jamal Musiala’s individual brilliance that eventually unlocked the stubborn home defence, his mesmerising dribbling creating space for another curled finish into the far corner.

Undaunted, Christian Streich’s spirited side threw everything forward late on and stunned the champions in the 87th minute when substitute Lucas Holer hammered home at the back post from a long throw to secure Freiburg a hard-fought point. This knocks Bayern’s title hopes, with leaders Bayer Leverkusen potentially moving 10 points clear with their game in hand and just 10 matches remaining,