Bayern Munich held 1-1 at Union Berlin for second straight draw

Bayern also drew 1-1 against Borussia Moenchengladbach last week and is now third on 11 points in the Bundesliga standings.

Union’ Berlin’s Sheraldo Becker scored the goal that gave his side the lead during the 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in Bundesliga on Saturday. | Photo Credit: AP

Champion Bayern Munich stumbled to its second 1-1 draw in a row on Saturday, coming away from Union Berlin with only one point and dropping off the top of the Bundesliga table.

The Bavarians, who also drew 1-1 against Borussia Moenchengladbach last week and travel to Inter for their Champions League group opener next week, are third on 11 points, as many as Union.

Freiburg moved into top spot on 12 points thanks to a 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen. Borussia Dortmund is also on 12 after its 1-0 win over Hoffenheim on Friday.

“Overall our energy level was not the one we have been used to until now,” Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann told a news conference. “Sometimes it’s like that. It’s normal. There are a thousand possible reasons for such an energy drop.”

“We have to get it back to where it was in the previous games,” Nagelsmann said.

Unlike against Gladbach where Bayern fired in 35 shots, it had to work hard for its few chances against Union.

“We had four clear chances. We took the wrong decisions there, that’s all. Union are still undefeated by the way, so obviously they are not a bad team,” Nagelsmann said.

The host, enjoying its best ever Bundesliga start and looking for its first win over Bayern, was never intimidated by the champion and went in front through the league’s leading scorer Sheraldo Becker with a perfect volley at the far post.

Becker, who has scored in his last three consecutive matches now, is on five goals.

Its lead was short-lived, however, with Joshua Kimmich thundering a low drive into the far corner three minutes later.

The Bavarians came agonisingly close to a second goal in the 37th when Jamal Musiala weaved his way into the box and flicked a sensational ball to send Leroy Sane through, only for his shot to be blocked by keeper Riis Ronnow.

Union’s solid backline, the second best in the league behind Bayern, hardly missed a beat and held firm in the second half as the visitors looked for ways past it.

The hosts also lurked on the break and forced a superb one-handed save out of Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer in the 75th who palmed Jamie Leweling’s shot wide after a fine run.

Union’s Ronnow matched it with a sensational save of his own, tipping a looping Sadio Mane header over the bar in stoppage time to protect their point.