Robert Lewandowski scored his 28th goal of the season and broke the record for the most goals by a foreign player in a single Bundesliga campaign, but it was not enough for Bayern Munich to secure a win against SC Freiburg on Saturday. The hosts scored a late equalizer through Nils Petersen to snatch a 2-2 draw and deny Bayern the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Bayern took the lead in the 15th minute, when Lewandowski converted a penalty after he was fouled by Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken. The Polish striker surpassed the previous record of 27 goals set by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2016-17, and moved closer to Gerd Muller’s all-time record of 40 goals in a season, which he set in 1971-72.
Grifo and Petersen score stunning goals for Freiburg
Freiburg did not give up and equalized in the 33rd minute, when Vincenzo Grifo unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box that flew past Manuel Neuer. The Italian midfielder scored his ninth goal of the season, becoming the joint-top scorer for Freiburg along with Petersen. The home side showed great spirit and resilience, as they matched Bayern’s intensity and created several chances.
Bayern regained the lead in the 62nd minute, when Thomas Muller tapped in from close range after a brilliant cross from Leroy Sane. The German international scored his 11th goal of the season, and also registered his 18th assist, the most in the league. He also became the first player in Bundesliga history to reach double figures in both goals and assists for 10 consecutive seasons.
Freiburg fought back and scored a dramatic late equalizer in the 89th minute, when Petersen rose above the Bayern defense and nodded in from a corner. The veteran striker scored his ninth goal of the season, and also his sixth against Bayern, the most by any active player in the league. He also extended his record as the Bundesliga’s all-time top scorer as a substitute, with 29 goals from the bench.
Bayern miss the opportunity to pull away from the pack
The final whistle blew soon after, and Freiburg celebrated a well-deserved point against the champions. Bayern were left frustrated and disappointed, as they dropped points for the fourth time in their last six games. They still remain at the top of the table, with 54 points from 24 games, but their lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen was reduced to seven points. Freiburg moved up to ninth place, with 30 points from 24 games.
The result means that Bayern will have to wait for another week to clinch their ninth consecutive Bundesliga title, as they need 10 more points to secure the trophy. They will face Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassiker next week, in what could be a decisive game for both teams. Freiburg will hope to continue their impressive form and challenge for a European spot, as they face Arminia Bielefeld next week.
Key stats and facts from the game
- Bayern Munich have scored at least two goals in each of their last 19 Bundesliga games, a new league record.
- SC Freiburg have scored in each of their last 13 Bundesliga games, their longest run since 1994-95.
- Robert Lewandowski has scored 28 goals in 24 Bundesliga games this season, the same number as the entire SC Freiburg team.
- Vincenzo Grifo has scored four goals from outside the box this season, the most in the Bundesliga.
- Thomas Muller has been directly involved in 29 goals this season (11 goals, 18 assists), the most in the Bundesliga.
- Nils Petersen has scored six goals against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.