NEW DELHI: Freiburg’s Lucas Hoeler scored an 87th-minute equaliser on Friday to secure a 2-2 draw against visitors Bayern Munich, dealing a blow to Bayern’s Bundesliga title hopes.
The result left champions Bayern seven points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who have 61 points from 24 matches and can extend their lead with a win over Cologne on Sunday.
Bayern, who are preparing to host Italy’s Lazio in their Champions League last 16 second leg next week, had a difficult start to their record 2,000th Bundesliga game as Freiburg found spaces to attack.
Keeper Manuel Neuer made a series of outstanding saves early in the first half to keep Bayern in the game.
“We played without structure in the first half,” said Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel. “We were undisciplined, out of position, and lost possession. We allowed them to counterattack.
“We wanted to play with more determination, but we only started doing that after conceding a goal. However, one good half is not enough to win here.
“It wasn’t a matter of will, we played recklessly for the first half hour.”
Freiburg took advantage of Bayern’s crisis and took a 12th-minute lead. Neuer made a spectacular save to deny Roland Sallai’s header, but Christian Guenter capitalized on the rebound with a powerful shot.
Bayern looked sharper in the second half and came close to scoring through Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane. Musiala eventually scored with a solo run and a low shot to complete Bayern’s comeback.
However, Freiburg had the last say with Hoeler scoring the late equalizer in the 87th minute after a skillful turn and shot in the box. Bayern have now won only one of their last four league games.
