ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Bayern Munich, which shines in the Bundesliga, is going through a difficult period in the Champions League.
The Bavarian giants suffered a 3-0 defeat to Feyenoord on Wednesday, marking their third defeat of the campaign and jeopardizing their chances of progressing to the round of 16 without going through a play-off.
Substitute goalkeeper Sven Ulreich was shown a red card for protest at the end of a match in which Bayern wasted numerous chances while proving vulnerable in defense.
“When I see how many big chances we still have, how much we invest in just one chance, how many we didn’t take, and how easy we make it for our opponents to score. It was very, very bad today,” said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
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Despite dominating almost every statistical category — possession, shots on goal, corners, completed passes, ball recoveries and distance traveled — Bayern faltered where it mattered most.
Santiago Giménez contributed two goals, and Ayase Ueda closed out Feyenoord’s victory with a shot on a late counterattack.
“No one expected us to win, and so that makes us happier. I think the most beautiful thing in this sport is these surprise evenings,” said Giménez, who acknowledged his “perfect” first control before scoring the first goal.
Giménez’s second goal came from a penalty awarded after Raphaël Guerreiro fouled Calvin Stengs, shortly after Guerreiro had replaced the inflicted Alphonso Davies before half-time.
Bayern players resorted to fouls but failed to prevent Antoni Milambo from assisting Ueda to score. Leon Goretzka was shown a yellow card for the ensuing foul, while Harry Kane received a yellow card for his protests during his 50th Champions League appearance.
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“We have to be honest. I think Feyenoord deserved it, that’s my opinion. Not because we didn’t run. We ran. We fought,” Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said. “I always felt like we could have scored goals. Just when Feyenoord scored, it was no surprise. This has been the case from the beginning. Maybe individually and collectively, it wasn’t enough today. »
Leroy Sané came closest for Bayern, hitting the post in the 70th minute.
Currently, Bayern lead the Bundesliga four points ahead of reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen after 18 rounds, but have also suffered previous defeats to Aston Villa and Barcelona in the Champions League.
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The team currently find themselves in 15th place in the 36-team table, and will need to triumph against Slovan Bratislava in their final group match next week at home, to have any hope of finishing in the top eight and avoiding a play-off.
“As they say, the rankings don’t lie,” admitted Kimmich. “We have to admit that we are not a top team at the moment. A top team cannot lose this match here. We’re still missing a little something. »
The Champions League final this season is scheduled for Munich.
