F For a moment this season there was a sense that FC Bayern Munich was operating in completely different spheres than the rest of the Bundesliga teams. The Kompany XI swept the other top teams of the republic off the pitch in the first half of the season, with a speed, perfection and precision, indeed a class you must acknowledge even as the biggest Bayern hater. The current goal difference of plus 56 speaks for itself.
The Bayern have so far played the Bundesliga as if every match were a friendly against some third-tier teams, just to warm up for the big international tournaments against opponents on a level, with PSG, Real and Co.
Only two teams—Mainz and Union Berlin—managed to slow the Bavarians’ ascents a little and force a draw. Otherwise the Reds dominated throughout, standing alone and unchallenged at the top of the league.
In short: The Bundesliga would be more exciting if FC Bayern weren’t in it.
Bitter Home Defeat
But now it has (finally) happened – from Bayern’s perspective in the worst possible form: the reigning German champions lose for the first time this season, and then in the derby against FC Augsburg, and, quite bitterly, at home in Munich. 70 percent possession, almost three times as many passes as the guests and a 1-0 lead that held until the 75th minute were not enough against strong Augsburg, who were not intimidated by Munich’s dominance.
A stout defense with an even stronger goalkeeper, Finn Dahmen, who simply would not grant Harry Kane a successful finishing, and perhaps a touch of luck in the final minute, ultimately lead to a 1:2 final score and the victory for FCA.
It is also a small irony of fate that right now former FCA coach Sandro Wagner was probably right when, after the first leg, he noted that he did not see that “we have less quality than Bayern.” That quality, which he himself had not been able to bring onto the pitch, is now delivered by FCA coach Manuel Baum. As a former goalkeeper for the 60s, that may also be a small personal vindication for him. And an important win to claw away from the relegation zone.
Losing Is Human
Even some Bayer Leverkusen fans celebrated the defeat. Because with this, the Meisterschaft season 2023/2024, during which the Werkself did not suffer a single defeat, remains a Bundesliga history record. Meanwhile Joshua Kimmich spoke after the match of the Munich players’ missing “hunger.” But how can one stay hungry when the table is always richly set?
Yes, okay, a little vindication is, of course, always part of being a non-Bayern-supporter when they at least suffer a defeat once a year. But it is not only that. Watching the Bayern–Augsburg game this weekend was finally enjoyable again. There remains a bit of drama in the Bundesliga. The seemingly invincible FC Bayern is beatable.
Or, as Kimmich put it: “Losing a game once in a while is human.” The FCB is discovering its humanity. Mei, is des schee.
