Gnabry shocks Dortmund as Bayern's bench sparks chaos in Munich | OneFootball

The clash of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the 29th round of the Bundesliga was one of epic proportions and explosiveness you would expect when two shirts of such stature share a pitch. The 2-2 draw encapsulated an evenly balanced match, with shifts in control, judicious tactical options from the bench, and moments that shifted the rhythm of the match. At the Allianz Arena, Bayern aimed at extending their lead over Bayer Leverkusen but witnessed Dortmund opening space, taking advantage of counterattacks, and, in spite of being under pressure, continuing until the final whistle.

Bayern begins well but only reaches Kobel

Since the first minutes, the home team controlled the game. Despite losing some major players, Bayern kept pressing and faced a stern hurdle in Kobel. Dortmund's goalkeeper made crucial interventions during the first half, stopping attempts from Harry Kane, Olise, and Müller. Bayern's pressure was relentless, with presence in the attacking third and movement that broke up Dortmund's defensive shape. The hosts persisted in pushing Dortmund deep into their own half and were only deprived of a goal for lack of accuracy and the industry of the visitors' No. 1 goalkeeper. Despite struggling to break from the back, Dortmund did have their chance late in the first half.

FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-BAYERN MUNICH-DORTMUND | ALEXANDRA BEIER/GettyImages

Dortmund creates space and scores the opener

Borussia Dortmund beat the pressure and threatened with set pieces and breaks. Beier started the build-up that led to the goal, playing to Brandt, who played Ryerson out on the right. The cross was accurate, and Beier, who had started the move, reached the far post to head it firmly between the legs of Urbig.

The goal altered the tempo of the game and allowed Dortmund to push their lines up higher, though they remained unable to create very many real chances. Bayern reacted promptly, in a match where Guerreiro nearly lobbed Kobel, the ball striking the crossbar, leaving the game wide open. Gnabry and Pavlovic turn the game around Bayern trailing and scrambling for answers, Kompany introduced his substitutes that soon bore fruit.

FC Bayern Muenchen v Borussia Dortmund - Bundesliga | Franz Kirchmayr/GettyImages

Gnabry and Pavlovic came on with force, and the impact was immediate. In the 65th minute, Gnabry had a great run down the left, beat his marker with a jink, and crossed it to Müller. The No. 25 collected the ball and played it back to Guerreiro, who calmly slotted it in to level the game. Gnabry kept up the trouble on that flank and appeared again only three minutes after that, beating three defenders before unleashing a low shot across goal to seal the turnaround.

That was Bayern's 16th substitute goal in the Bundesliga, a statistic that shows how deep the team is even when the first XI players are not on the pitch. Borussia responds and takes the draw off the rebound Just as Bayern appeared ready to grab complete control, Dortmund spotted another opportunity. Guirassy was being squeezed by defenders and out of balance, but somehow did get a touch on the ball and still attempted a shot.

Urbig pushed the attempt away, but Anton was ready to pounce on the follow-in and seal it to equalize again. The target brought the life to the team, and they fell further back to defend the box closely. Bayern still continued to make chances, and Kobel saved the day for the third consecutive match. He stopped Guerreiro and Harry Kane at pivotal moments to allow. Dortmund, get a point away.

Nervy closing stages

The classic remained close until the last minute. Bayern kept probing for weaknesses and tried to shift the balance in their direction through attacks on the flanks, especially the left, where Gnabry was ever-present. Dortmund opted for the gamble on the counter and nearly scored through a Chukwuemeka shot that rebounded off Dier and sailed inches wide.

The draw, under the circumstances how the match had unfolded, was understandable. Both teams had their time and made the best out of what they had to work with.