Bayern Munich: Key takeaways from narrow defeat against Gladbach

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Bayern Munich once again conceded poor goals against Borussia Monchengladbach. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images) /

Defensive lapses continue to cost Bayern

Even though Rekordmeister dropped points on Friday, they remain on course to defend the Bundesliga title if they perform the way they did in Hinrunde. However, the performance against Gladbach does raise concerns about the club’s hopes to win the Champions League this season.

After enjoying dominance in the first 25 minutes, Die Roten had two lapses in concentration at the back. Niklas Sule left Florian Neuhaus unmarked for the first goal, while Benjamin Pavard was easily beaten in the air during the second goal. Both goals could have been avoided if the team was much more switched on.

It has been the same story for Rekordmeister throughout the season. They have been conceding poor goals in the Bundesliga that often gives a route to opposition to come back in the games. The defending Bundesliga champions have kept only six clean sheets in the league after 18 matchdays.

Die Roten can get away with these defensive lapses in the league, but these problems at the back can haunt them in knockout games of the Champions League. Julian Nagelsmann’s teams in the past have been defensively solid, which makes Die Roten’s poor defensive show this season even more surprising. The German coach will be looking to address this problem in the next few weeks before Champions League resumes in February.