Bayern Munich 1-2 Borussia Monchengladbach: Bundesliga leaders beaten despite Robert Lewandowski goal

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Stefan Lainer's header earned Gladbach victory against a Bayern side they beat 5-0 in the German Cup in October

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich suffered a shock home defeat by Borussia Monchengladbach in their first game after the league's winter break.

Bayern named a makeshift XI as they had more than a dozen players out, including nine absent with Covid-19.

Robert Lewandowski put the hosts ahead with a powerful shot for his 20th Bundesliga goal of the season midway through the first half.

But mid-table Gladbach scored twice in four minutes to take the victory.

Florian Neuhaus volleyed in the equaliser and the visitors went ahead in the 31st minute when Stefan Lainer headed in from a corner.

There were no fans at the game at the Allianz Arena because of Covid restrictions in Germany and, despite dominating early on, Bayern struggled without key players including Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernandez, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Alphonso Davies and Kingsley Coman.

Lewandowski's goal did ensure the reigning champions have now scored in each of their past 65 Bundesliga games, equalling the league record they set themselves in 2014.

And despite a run of five successive league wins coming to an end, they are nine points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund. Gladbach move up to 11th.