Bayern Munich drop points in 2-2 draw with Dortmund amid Bundesliga title race

Bayern Munich miss chance to extend Bundesliga lead as Dortmund force dramatic 2-2 draw.

Michael Olise of FC Bayern München battles for the ball with Pascal Gross of Borussia Dortmund during the Bundesliga match at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on April 12, 2025. Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Bayern Munich drop points in a crucial stage of the Bundesliga title race, settling for a 2-2 draw at home against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. The result prevented them from extending their lead at the top of the table, just hours after rivals Bayer Leverkusen were held to a goalless draw by Union Berlin.

The weekend had offered Bayern the perfect chance to tighten their grip on the league title. With Leverkusen dropping points earlier in the day, a win for Bayern would have stretched their lead to eight points with only five games remaining. But despite dominating possession and taking a second-half lead, Bayern failed to hold off Dortmund's resilient counterpunch, leaving the title race slightly more open heading into the final stretch.

Bayern control early proceedings but falter in key moments

As the match kicked off at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich immediately seized control, camping themselves around Dortmund’s penalty area. Injuries had left the squad depleted, but the Bavarians pressed high and often, creating several chances in the opening 45 minutes.

Harry Kane and Michael Olise both tested Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel early on, but the Swiss international stood firm. With wave after wave of pressure, it seemed inevitable that Bayern would take the lead. But football rarely follows the script.

Instead, it was Dortmund who stunned the home crowd shortly after halftime.

Beier’s opener sparks drama

Just three minutes into the second half, Dortmund struck first. Maximilian Beier finished off a counter-attack by heading between Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig's legs. The move came almost out of nowhere and marked a rare breakaway for the visitors, who had spent most of the first half on the back foot.

It was a shock, but it didn't take long for Bayern to respond. Head coach Vincent Kompany made a tactical switch, bringing on Serge Gnabry. The move changed the game.

Gnabry and Guerreiro lead Bayern comeback

Gnabry’s presence immediately injected life into Bayern’s attack. In the 65th minute, he set up Raphael Guerreiro—formerly of Dortmund—for the equalizer. Just four minutes later, Gnabry delivered a moment of brilliance. Dancing through the Dortmund defense, he smashed the ball past Kobel to give Bayern a 2-1 lead and send the crowd into celebration.

With momentum in their favor, Bayern looked set to close the game out and take three vital points. But as has happened in several games this season, defensive frailties resurfaced.

Anton levels late for Dortmund

Dortmund refused to give up. In the 75th minute, Waldemar Anton capitalized on a rebound from a Serhou Guirassy effort to slot home the equalizer. The goal was a bitter blow for Bayern, who had worked hard to regain the lead and were just 15 minutes from a vital victory.

Despite throwing players forward in the closing stages, Bayern couldn't find a winner.

Title race still in Bayern’s hands

The 2-2 result means Bayern remain six points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen. While the dropped points were frustrating, the defending champions are still in a strong position heading into the final five games.

Veteran midfielder Thomas Mueller, who will depart the club at the end of the season after 25 years, struck an optimistic tone.

"We've moved a step closer to the championship and we've shown we can create plenty of opportunities," Mueller said. "That should help us in the Champions League on Wednesday."

Harry Kane, who had a quiet evening by his standards, added, “We’ll have opportunities, it’s about taking them in the right moments.”

Injury concerns mount for Kompany

Bayern’s performance was further complicated by ongoing injury problems. Centre-back Kim Min-jae was substituted in the second half due to an Achilles issue, leaving Kompany with just one fit central defender. This could prove crucial as Bayern prepare for their upcoming Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

Already trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Bayern face an uphill battle in the quarter-final return leg. However, the attacking fluidity shown in parts against Dortmund could serve them well in Europe.

Leverkusen fail to capitalize

Earlier in the day, Bayer Leverkusen missed their own opportunity to keep pressure on Bayern. A 0-0 draw at home to Union Berlin showcased their recent struggles. Despite welcoming back Florian Wirtz from a foot injury, Xabi Alonso’s side lacked creativity and composure in front of goal.

Wirtz came on after 57 minutes and gave his side some spark, but Union Berlin’s defense held strong. Granit Xhaka had a late chance to win it with a stoppage-time free kick, but he blasted over the bar.

"We're dropping too many points at home," Leverkusen captain Lukáš Hrádecký admitted. "Mathematically there's a small chance [of winning the title], but the probability has decreased."

Leverkusen's recent form has been concerning. After being eliminated from the German Cup by third-tier Arminia Bielefeld, the draw against Union adds to a disappointing April for last season's double winners.

Other Bundesliga highlights

Elsewhere, Borussia Moenchengladbach’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League took a major hit. They fell 2-1 at home to Freiburg, who leapfrogged them into sixth place thanks to a 90th-minute header from Johan Manzambi.

Augsburg continued their excellent 2025 run with a 2-1 win over Bochum, overtaking Dortmund in the process. Augsburg have now lost just one of their past 13 games, making them dark horses for European qualification.

Hoffenheim took a major step toward Bundesliga survival with a 2-0 home win against Mainz. Andrej Kramaric scored both goals to give Hoffenheim breathing room above the drop zone.

In another key match at the bottom, St Pauli boosted their hopes of staying in the top flight with a 2-1 win over fellow promoted side Holstein Kiel.

What's next?

The Bundesliga title race remains Bayern Munich’s to lose. Despite dropping points against Dortmund, their six-point cushion means the dream of reclaiming the title is still very much alive.

However, injuries and defensive issues threaten to derail their run-in. With five league games to go and a Champions League quarter-final second leg on the horizon, Bayern will need every ounce of focus and fitness to cross the finish line in first place.

For Borussia Dortmund, the draw offered a moral victory and a glimpse of resilience. While their league season may be all but over in terms of silverware, they proved they can still trouble the best—even as their Champions League hopes hang by a thread.

One thing is certain: the Bundesliga still has drama left in it, and every point will count.