March 8, 2025, delivered unexpected results in the Bundesliga, with both Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen falling to surprise defeats. Despite the setbacks, Bayern retained their eight-point cushion at the top of the league standings with nine matches left in the season.
Bayern Munich suffered a shocking 3-2 home loss to VfL Bochum, a result that rocked the Allianz Arena. Manager Vincent Kompany opted for a heavily rotated squad, leaving out several key players, including star striker Harry Kane, in preparation for their upcoming Champions League clash against Leverkusen.
The Bavarians started strong, taking the lead in the 14th minute through Raphael Guerreiro. They had a golden opportunity to extend their advantage when awarded a penalty just seven minutes later, but Serge Gnabry’s effort rattled the post. Guerreiro then doubled the lead in the 28th minute, putting Bayern in firm control.
However, Bochum responded swiftly, with Jakov Medic pulling a goal back just three minutes later.
Bayern’s troubles deepened before halftime when Joao Palhinha was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Giorgos Masouras, leaving the home side with 10 men.
The numerical advantage proved decisive in the second half. Bochum capitalized, with Ibrahima Sissoko drawing them level in the 51st minute before Matus Bero completed the stunning comeback in the 71st.
The victory marked Bochum’s first win in Munich since 1991 and lifted them three points clear of the relegation battle.
Speaking after the match, Kompany admitted his side’s shortcomings, stating, “There are no excuses—we lost. Even with 10 men, we should at least have the expectation of avoiding defeat.”
Bayer Leverkusen’s push to keep pressure on Bayern took a major hit as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Werder Bremen. The visitors struck early, with Romano Schmid finding the net in the seventh minute.
Leverkusen struggled to gain control of the game, prompting coach Xabi Alonso to introduce playmaker Florian Wirtz at halftime in a bid to turn things around. However, disaster struck when Wirtz was forced off the field on crutches after a crunching tackle from Bremen’s Mitchell Weiser.
Alonso voiced his concerns over the midfielder’s condition, saying, “We’ll have to wait and see. We don’t have any results yet.” Weiser, acknowledging the harshness of his challenge, added, “I hope it’s not that bad—I’m lucky it wasn’t a red card.”
The defeat not only halted Leverkusen’s momentum but also raised doubts over their ability to mount a serious title challenge. They now face an uphill task as they prepare to host Bayern in the second leg of their Champions League tie, trailing 3-0 from the first leg.
Despite the disappointing results, Bayern remains in a strong position to retain their Bundesliga crown. Their eight-point lead over Leverkusen still provides a comfortable cushion, but both teams will need to manage their domestic and European fixtures carefully as the season enters its final stretch.
