Bayern must dig deep without Kompany in crucial duel against Freiburg

Bayern Munich reclaimed the top spot in the Bundesliga after two minutes, despite coach Vincent Kompany being absent for medical reasons. The Belgian coach collapsed at the training complex, was taken to hospital by ambulance and will miss a few more days.

Kompany's medical absence

Sporting director Max Eberl said that Kompany's condition is stable, but that it is not a matter of days before he returns. While the coach is absent, assistant Aaron Danks has taken charge and prepared the team for the match.

Bayern's dominant victory

The match started strongly when centre‑back Dayot Upamecano, who normally does not attack, won the ball in his own penalty area, combined with Michael Olise and calmly slotted the 0‑1 against goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. Shortly before halftime Serge Gnabry doubled the lead after a fine through‑ball from Nathaniel Brown; it was his hundredth Bundesliga goal.

Even without Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Manuel Neuer and Luis Díaz, the record‑champion held control for eighty minutes and gave the opponent few chances. The attacking thrust of the wingers gave Bayern extra space and forced Freiburg into defensive play.

Aaron Danks steps in for Kompany as FC Bayern's stand‑in head coach in Freiburg

SC Freiburg kept pressing and ten minutes from time Tom Bischof produced an own cross that ended up in his own net, making the score tense again at the Europa‑Park Stadium. Shortly before that the substituted Saibari had already put the 1‑3 on his shoe, but the ball hit goalkeeper Backhaus.

In the final stages Michael Olise punished a mistake by Backhaus and nudged the 1‑3 to the ropes. Thanks to that three‑pointer Bayern again overtakes Joey Veerman's Borussia Dortmund on goal difference, now 18 to 8.

Gnabry celebrates 100th Bundesliga goal, Bayern Munich beat Freiburg

Eberl indicated that Kompany can return within a few days, while FC Twente must prepare for their Conference‑League clash against the Breisgau‑Brazilian on 26 November.