Bayern Munich secured a 4-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge, with the result seeing the Bavarian giants return to the top of the Bundesliga table. However, the match was overshadowed by a howler from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who handed Bayern the lead in bizarre circumstances. Defender Dayot Upamecano booted the ball forward, and with the ball trickling towards Kobel, he attempted to smash it back down the other side of the pitch but completely missed it, leaving him with his head in his hands. The mistake led to huge reactions on social media, with fans expressing disbelief at Kobel’s error.
Bayern then scored two more quickfire goals to take a three-goal lead after just 23 minutes, with Thomas Muller bundling in from close range in the 18th minute before doubling his tally shortly after. Leroy Sane had his effort parried out by Kobel right into the path of Muller, who couldn’t miss from a few yards out. Kingsley Coman then made it 4-0 to Bayern in the 50th minute, with the game looking as though it could turn into a cricket score.
Dortmund managed to pull late goals back through Emre Can and Donyell Malen, but it was too little, too late. The victory gave Tuchel the perfect start in his first game in charge as Bayern boss, coincidentally against his old side Dortmund. Julian Nagelsmann was sacked over the international break after the German giant fell a point behind their rivals following a defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern’s decision to change their managers looks to have already paid off, and they will be favourites to retain the title once again.