With Blind and Gravenberch in base, Bayern throws lead position up for grabs

With Daley Blind and Ryan Gravenberch in the starting lineup for the first time, Bayern Munich experienced a disaster afternoon in the Bundesliga visiting Borussia Mönchengladbach.

After a quick red card for Dayot Upamecano, they lost 3-2, allowing Union Berlin to take over the lead in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Things have not been going for a meter with Bayern since the winter break. They lost points for the fourth time in six league matches. The record champion will have to work hard to win its 11th consecutive national title.

After the opening phase in which Bayern lost Upamecano after a foul on Alassane Pléa, and Lars Stindl scored with a crisp free kick, the visitors initially managed to recover well. That led to the equalizer from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who slid in a cross from Alphonso Davies ten minutes before halftime.

Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann had opted for some different players in his starting lineup, after a handsome midweek 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Yann Sommer did appear between the posts, the goalkeeper who was brought in this winter as a stand-in for the heavily injured Manuel Neuer. Before the game with his old club, he was extensively honored and thanked for services rendered, only to be put under fire in the opponent’s goal.

Jonas Hofmann made it 2-1, Rami Bensebaini hit the crossbar and Marcus Thuram decided the game. Because after several missed Bayern chances, teenager Mathys Tel’s 3-2 came much too late for Bayern.

Union Berlin can take over the lead Sunday afternoon with a win over Schalke 04. On Thursday, Union hosts Ajax in the Europa League, then next Sunday the topper will be played between Bayern and Union.