Three things we learnt from the Bundesliga Matchday 19 Konferenz – Bayern Munich’s unbeaten comes to an end, Frankfurt’s defensive problems worsen, Mainz continue to build under Urs Fischer | OneFootball

After a dire week for Bundesliga clubs in Europe, matchday 19 kicked off with the Hamburg derby, which also ended up being just as bad.

The Saturday afternoon Bundesliga games saw Bayern Munich host Augsburg, Bayer Leverkusen vs Werder Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt against Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig travelled to Heidenheim, and Mainz played Wolfsburg.

Here are the three things we learnt:

Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga unbeaten run is ended:

The last Bundesliga game that Bayern were on the losing end of was 322 days ago, when they lost 3-2 to Bochum at the Allianz Arena. 

Now, they have lost their first game since then, and their first of the season, losing 2-1 to Augsburg. 

It looked as if this was going to be a routine win for Bayern after Hiroki Ito opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. However, Augsburg kept the Bundesliga leaders at arm’s length and in the second half stepped it up a gear. In the 75th minute, new signing Arthur Chaves equalised, and then in the 81st minute Han-Noah Massengo made it 2-1. 

Manuel Baum’s side then held on for dear life as Bayern tried to equalise, and they saw out the win, not without a very late Michael Olise effort hitting the crossbar. 

Overall, it was a very strong defence performance from Augsburg, especially as they have statistically been one of the worst sides on both ends of the pitch this season.

While Bayern, this loss means that any chance of matching Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten season have now come to an end. IF Borussia Dortmund also proceed to beat Union Berlin, the gap will be brought down to eight points. 

Eintracht Frankfurt’s defensive problems continue:

Frankfurt solidified itself as the team with the worst defensive record in the league today after throwing away their lead to lose 3-1 to Hoffenheim.

Die Adler has seemingly turned a corner when they went in at half-time 1-0 up thanks to an Arnaud Kalimuendo opener. However, on the other side of half-time, they would more or less collapse within 14 minutes. Max Moerstedt and Ozan Kabak’s goals both came from set pieces, while a Vladimir Coufal cross made it 3-1.

The result means that since returning from the winter break, Frankfurt have conceded 15 goals in five games, and in the Bundesliga they have conceded the joint most goals in the league (42), along with relegations strugglers Heidenheim.

There is just over a week left of the winter window, not only do they need a head coach, but it is increasingly obvious they need defensive-minded players. 

Maybe Felix Magath is calling. 

Mainz continues to build under Urs Fischer:

Following their win against Heidenheim two weeks ago, Mainz have now only lost once in their last five games. 

Today’s 3-1 win against Wolfsburg shows that they are heading in the right direction. Despite going 1-0 down, and Philipp Tietz missing a penalty in the first half, in the second half they rallied with Tietz equalising before Stefan Bell and Nadiem Amiri made it 3-1. 

The win means they are now 15th in the Bundesliga, two points ahead of the automatic relegation places and three points behind safety. It is a testament to the work that Urs Fischer has done since taking over as head coach before Christmas. 

Elsewhere in the Bundesliga:

GGFN | Jack Meenan