Bayern Munich must beat Borussia Dortmund – Julian Nagelsmann

Following Bayern Munich’s 2-1 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday evening, Julian Nagelsmann sends a warning to his players that they could miss out on the Bundesliga title should they fail to beat Borussia Dortmund in their next game after the international break.

“We have to win against Dortmund,” said Nagelsmann (via iMiaSanMia). “If we don’t, or in worst case we lose, then it will be difficult to win the title considering the current form of Dortmund.”

Following Borussia Dortmund’s emphatic 6-1 win against Cologne on Saturday evening, Bayern Munich needed at least a draw to go level with BVB, a win against Leverkusen would have moved them two points clear.

Bayern Munich did take the lead through Joshua Kimmich but Bayer Leverkusen battled well and were the better team. Amine Adli won Leverkusen a penalty despite Tobias Stieler originally booking the Frenchman for simulation. Exequiel Palacios would dispatch the penalty before Adli again went down inside the area following a clumsy Dayot Upamecano challenge.

Against after booking Adli for simulation, Stieler consulted VAR and overturned the decision – Palacios would score his second from the spot, giving Leverkusen a 2-1 lead.

That win means Xabi Alonso has won his last five games across all competitions as Leverkusen head coach, whilst Bayern suffer their first defeat following four successive wins.

After the international break, Bayern Munich host Borussia Dortmund in what will be a monumental fixture.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder