Bayern Munich: Takeaways from disappointing 2-3 loss against Vfl Bochum | OneFootball

On matchday 25 of the ongoing Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich lost for the first time at Allianz Arena. VfL Bochum came from behind to clinch 3-2 win against Die Roten in an eventful game.Although Vincent Kompany fielded what was his second-string team, on the surface, such a result could still be seen as a disaster, despite Bayern maintaining a comfortable lead at the top of the table. Having taken a 2-0 lead in 30 minutes, Die Roten should not have lost this game, even considering that they were reduced to ten men towards the end of the first half after João Palhinha was shown a straight red for a reckless tackle.

Nonetheless, despite poor performances from certain players, with the bigger picture in mind, let’s look at some interesting takeaways from Saturday evening’s surprising, but not disastrous, home loss ahead of Tuesday’s European Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Bayer Leverkusen.

Expected squad rotation didn’t work out as intended

With one eye on Tuesday’s trip to the Bay Arena to take on Leverkusen, Vincent Kompany understandably rested most of his starters.

The reserves appeared to have laid the foundation for a comfortable victory inside the opening half hour after Raphael Guerreiro completed his brace in the 28th minute. However, the lack of familiarity amongst the players was evident, and a defensive mistake just after the half-hour mark resulted in Bochum pulling a goal back.

The 42nd minute coincided with the beginning of the end for Die Roten when Palhinha was given the marching orders. In the second half, the visitors made the most of having an extra man on the pitch by scoring two more goals without reply. Despite Kompany bringing on the cavalry (Kane, Musiala, Laimer, and Olise) for the last half hour, the damage had already been done. Not even a late appearance from Kimmich was enough to turn the tide.