Freiburg 2-2 Bayern Munich: Lewandowski matches Muller record in entertaining draw

Robert Lewandowski equalled Gerd Muller’s record of 40 Bundesliga goals in a single season as Bayern Munich were held to a 2-2 draw by a determined Freiburg on Saturday.

With a ninth-straight league title already sewn up, the focus for Bayern was all about Lewandowski’s pursuit of a notable milestone that was set back in the 1971-72 season.

Lewandowski had closed in on the magical number with a hat-trick against Borussia Monchengladbach last time out, helping Hansi Flick’s side celebrate being crowned champions in style with a 6-0 win at the Allianz Arena.

The Poland international matched the legendary Muller’s haul thanks to a first-half penalty awarded following the involvement of the video assistant referee.

Robert Lewandowski adds another goal to his Bundesliga tally.

Here’s how he compared to Gerd Müller before this weekend. He’s now equalled his Bundesliga record of goals in a single season (40 in 1971-72). pic.twitter.com/2gY1dcsYe3

— The Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) May 15, 2021

On-field official Florian Badstubner deemed Lukas Kubler had pulled down Thomas Muller at a corner after receiving a recommendation to review the incident, allowing Bayern’s number nine to reach 40 from the spot.

The scorer received a guard of honour from Bayern team-mates and staff next to the visiting dugout in the immediate aftermath, though he failed to take two glorious chances late in proceedings that would have seen him move clear in the history books.

Less than three minutes after conceding the opener, Freiburg capitalised on a set-piece situation to draw level. Vincenzo Grifo’s corner into the near post was met by Manuel Gulde, who beat Niklas Sule to the ball and flicked a header beyond Alexander Nubel – handed a first league start as Manuel Neuer watched on from the bench.

While Serge Gnabry had a tap-in finish ruled out for offside early in the second half, Bayern went back in front in the 53rd minute when Muller’s volley across the face of the box was finished off by a sliding Leroy Sane.

However – after Mark Flekken had denied Lewandowski, who also scuffed another opportunity at to the goalkeeper – Freiburg captain Christian Gunter fired in a deserved equaliser to earn his side a point.