The Useful Context
Lennart Karl scored in the ninth minute of added time to complete a dramatic comeback for Bayern Munich, overturning a 2-0 deficit to beat Freiburg 3-2 and stay on course for the Bundesliga title on Saturday.
Freiburg looked set for an upset win when they led 2-0 deep into the second half. Bayern's defense was caught sleeping for the opening goal, giving Johan Manzambi plenty of space to cut in from the left flank and fire a powerful shot past Manuel Neuer. The veteran goalkeeper, back from injury, redeemed himself with strong saves in the first half but blundered for Freiburg's second, palming a corner straight to Lucas Höler for an easy finish.
The trophy did not need much decoration; the season had already done most of the talking.
The match turned in the 81st minute when 20-year-old Tom Bischof struck from outside the area. Bayern's young midfielder then struck again in added time, timing his run perfectly as Freiburg was caught out by a quick corner routine. Alphonso Davies, returning from a hamstring injury, delivered the low cross for Karl to slot in the winner.
Bayern were missing Harry Kane (ankle) and Nicolas Jackson (suspended), leaving Serge Gnabry to lead the attack. Michael Olise wasted a decent chance, but Bischof's late double proved decisive.
The Detail Still Doing Work
It was exactly the sort of rally that separates a title contender from the rest—the game was gone, then it wasn't, in the space of ten minutes.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga: Borussia Dortmund scored twice in added time to beat Stuttgart 2-0, keeping the gap to Bayern at nine points. Karim Adeyemi grabbed the first before Julian Brandt added the second. A chair was thrown onto the pitch during the celebrations.
Bayer Leverkusen came from 3-1 down to beat Wolfsburg 6-3. Alejandro Grimaldo scored twice, moving to 14 goals for the season as he pushes for a World Cup spot. Wolfsburg remains 17th in the 18-team league and winless since January.
Leipzig beat Werder Bremen 2-0 to stay on target for a Champions League return, while Hoffenheim slipped to a 2-1 loss at home to Mainz. Union Berlin drew 1-1 with Augsburg, and Borussia Moenchengladbach rescued a 2-2 draw against last-placed Heidenheim.