Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga's leaders, were defeated at home by Borussia Monchengladbach in their first game following the league's winter break. Bayern fielded a makeshift XI due to the absence of more than a dozen players, including nine with Covid-19. Midway through the first half, Robert Lewandowski put the hosts ahead with a powerful shot for his 20th Bundesliga goal of the season. Mid-table Gladbach, on the other hand, struck twice in four minutes to win.
After an equalizer from Florian Neuhaus, the visitors took the lead in the 31st minute when Stefan Lainer headed in from a corner. Because of Covid limitations in Germany, no supporters attended the game at the Allianz Arena, and although dominating early on, Bayern suffered without key players such as Manuel Neuer, Lucas Hernandez, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane, Alphonso Davies, and Kingsley Coman.