Late Goretzka winner egdes Bayern Munich closer to Bundesliga title

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:16 am

Bayern Munich are one win away from winning the Bundesliga title after beating Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on Saturday.

Leon Goretzka scored late on after Joshua Zirkzee's opener was cancelled out by Benjamin Pavard's own goal in the first-half.

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Bayern, who could seal the title on Tuesday at Werder Bremen, are on 73 points, with Dortmund on 66. Gladbach remain fourth on 56.

Bayern started the match without forwards Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller due to suspension.

The visitors thought they went ahead after 16 minutes through Jonas Hofmann but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Leon Goretzka's late winner saw Bayern clinch an important victory in the Bundesliga.
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Both goalkeepers were called into action minutes later when Gladbach's Yann Sommer brilliantly denied Lucas Hernandez while Bayern's Manuel Neuer saved Lars Stindl's attempt.

Bayern took the lead after 26 minutes when Sommer passed the ball into Zirkzee's path to score in an empty net.

Gladbach equalised 10 minutes later Pavard scored an own goal from Patrick Herrmann's cross.

There were few chances in the second half but Breel Embolo forced a smart save from Neuer while Sommer tipped Serge Gnabry's long-range shot past the post.

With four minutes remaining, Goretzka tapped home from close range to secure the three points for Bayern.

"We can also win these tough matches," said Neuer. "Our plan was a bit different. We did not have that much possession and pressed more in midfield."

"We let them come to us. That was the plan."