Stuttgart fightback stuns Bayern, 2-1

(GSM) – Bayern Munich suffered their second straight Bundesliga defeat on Saturday as Ciprian Marica’s second-half goal spurred Stuttgart to a 2-1 triumph at Allianz-Arena.

The victory was Stuttgart’s first at Bayern since September 1999, and it was thanks in part to Marica’s header after a brilliant Cacau lob.

A wonderful strike had put Bayern in front on 32 minutes when Ivica Olic controlled a pass from countryman Danijel Pranjic before firing home.

But Stuttgart responded well and equalized – though in fortunate circumstances – nine minutes later when Christian Träsch’s shot deflected off the back of Holger Badstuber, leaving Hans-Jörg Butt wrongfooted and helpless in goal.

Then, five minutes into the second half, Cacau’s touchline lob to the back post found an unmarked Marica for the simplest of headers into the open net.

Bayern had introduced both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry at half-time, but the wingers were kept very limited by an active Stuttgart defense, and the Bavarians could not muster the equalizer.

The loss will give Schalke the chance to go top when they visit Bayer Leverkusen later on Saturday.