Bayern's Record Run Halted in Dramatic Berlin Clash
English striker Harry Kane delivered a dramatic 93rd-minute equalizer to salvage a point for Bayern Munich in their 2-2 draw against Union Berlin on Saturday, but the result marked the end of their record-breaking start to the season.
The Bavarian giants had won all 16 of their competitive matches this campaign, setting a new benchmark in Europe's top-five leagues, but looked fatigued after their midweek Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain where they played most of the match with ten men.
Doekhi Double Threatens Historic Upset
Union Berlin defender Danilho Doekhi emerged as the unlikely hero for the home side, scoring twice to put his team on the verge of their first-ever victory over the German champions. The Dutch defender opened the scoring after 27 minutes, sliding the ball under Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from close range.
Bayern responded before halftime through an incredible individual effort from Colombian forward Luis Diaz, who saved the ball from going out of play, beat his defender with a quick turn, and blasted home from an acute angle.
Doekhi restored Union's lead with just seven minutes remaining, knocking a rebound through a crowded penalty area to set up a tense finish at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
Kane's Late Intervention Saves Bayern
With Union Berlin moments away from creating history, Harry Kane demonstrated why Bayern Munich invested heavily in his services, scoring in the third minute of stoppage time to preserve his team's unbeaten league record.
The goal marked Kane's 13th in just 10 Bundesliga appearances this season, underlining his incredible scoring form since arriving in Germany. Despite dropping two points, Bayern maintain a comfortable six-point cushion at the top of the table.
Manager Vincent Kompany made only one change to the starting lineup that defeated PSG, and the decision appeared to backfire as Bayern looked sluggish throughout the match, struggling to create meaningful opportunities in the early stages.
Bundesliga Rivals Also Stumble
The weekend proved challenging for Bayern's closest competitors as well. Borussia Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw at Hamburg, with Ransford-Yeboah Koenigsdoerffer heading in a dramatic equalizer in the seventh minute of added time.
English midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka had given Dortmund the lead in the second half, but Niko Kovac's side couldn't hold on for victory, missing the chance to climb to second place.
RB Leipzig suffered a more comprehensive defeat, falling 3-1 at Hoffenheim despite taking an early lead through teenage forward Yan Diomande, who scored for the third consecutive match. The loss marked only the third time Leipzig have dropped points this season.
In other Bundesliga action, Bayer Leverkusen recorded their biggest win of the campaign with a 6-0 thrashing of Heidenheim at home. Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza both scored twice, while Jonas Hofmann and Ernest Poko also found the net as Leverkusen climbed to fourth in the standings.
