Bayern humiliated at home as Bochum pulls off a shocking comeback | OneFootball

Playing at the Allianz Arena in front of their home crowd, they were 2-0 ahead of Bochum and appeared to be in for an easy victory. But then, a script no one could have imagined. João Palhinha's red card turned the game on its head. Bayern, already struggling to play their usual brand of domination, lost the plot and saw relegation-threatened Bochum pull off a miraculous 3-2 comeback.

This result does not put Bayern's superiority at risk in the immediate future, for Bayer Leverkusen lost again. But no psychological impact must be underestimated by a loss like that. The eight-point superiority still sounds well-founded, yet if a squad of this stature manages to strip open vulnerabilities, competitors start getting the scent of blood.

From triumph to catastrophe within minutes

Allianz Arena was ready for the big one. Fans, celebrating the club's 125th birthday, were chanting their hearts out from the beginning whistle. It was all teeing up for a simple afternoon's work for the Bavarians. Raphaël Guerreiro, in top form, gave the visitors the lead in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the box. He doubled the lead with a header from Thomas Müller's assist. Bayern hit the post too with a Gnabry strike and appeared to be in charge.

Then came the first blow. João Medić pulled one back for Bochum in the 31st minute, casting doubt on a game that was threatening to turn into a Bayern romp. Shortly afterwards, the real turning point: João Palhinha launched himself recklessly into Georgios Masouras and was given a straight red card. Bayern now had ten men to see out the rest of the game.

Nightmare for Bayern

Any thought that Bayern were somehow going to see through the stretch of time with one man fewer living was fleeting. Bochum came back for the second half eager to test the weakened defense, and barely six minutes into the half, Sissoko leaped above everyone to level the match.

The Allianz Arena that was once full of thunder now lay in complete silence. Vincent Kompany's team attempted to dig in, but were lacking leadership and cohesion out on the field. Then in the 71st minute struck the finishing blow: Bero released a accurate shot, clinching Bochum's sensational comeback and causing the traveling faithful to descend into sheer ecstasy.

Bayern's manager resorted to desperate substitutions, introducing Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala in quest of a leveling goal. It was in vain. Bochum parked the bus, defending as if Bayern's survival in the Bundesliga was at stake. In the dying seconds, Timo Horn made a world-class save off a Musiala header to keep the scorelines the same.

What does the loss say about Bayern?

Bayern leads big at the top, but losses like this are dangerous. Vincent Kompany's side already have shown themselves to be inconsistent this season, and this loss shows weaknesses that could prove to be expensive for them in the latter half of the season.

Bayern, who have a reputation for dominating games with dominance, disintegrated when they were reduced to ten men. The midfield lost its sting, the defense was exposed, and the attack could not craft any substantial chances following the red card.

Raphaël Guerreiro, despite defeat, was the best player. His two goals gave Bayern a solid platform, and he remained a ray of hope even as the team disintegrated. But if Bayern are to avoid further surprises, they cannot rely on individual brilliance only.

Is Bayern still safe at the top?

Bayern Leverkusen's defeat provided Bayern with a lifeline, but warning bells are ringing. An eight-point lead may seem secure, but if Bayern continues to demonstrate frailties like this, there will be contenders who will start to believe that they have a chance.

The Bundesliga is far from over, and what happened at the Allianz Arena is a wake-up call to remind us all that no team is invincible. If Bayern are going to avoid unnecessary title race drama, they need to get back on track immediately. That starts in the next round.