FC Bayern has lost its lead in the standings. Following a disappointing 0-0 draw at FC Schalke 04, the record champion has been forced to relinquish its spot at the top of the Bundesliga for the first time in nearly two years. This brings a remarkable streak to an end.
FC Bayern had been in first place continuously since September 1, 2024—or Matchday 2 of the 2024–25 season. In total, the Munich team led the standings for more than two years and across 67 matchdays. The scoreless draw at Schalke brought this impressive streak to an end.
The German record champions went into the match as clear favorites. Following their convincing 5-1 opening-day victory over VfB Stuttgart, Vincent Kompany’s team was looking to continue its perfect start to the season.
At Schalke, however, Bayern failed to score for the first time since July 2025. The Munich team increased the pressure, especially in the second half, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. After the game, coach Vincent Kompany also criticized his team’s inability to convert chances in particular.
“When you play against such a compact and aggressive team, you have to capitalize on your chances. We could have won this game, but congratulations to Schalke. Next time, we have to score our goals,” the Belgian explained.
Schalke goalkeeper Loris Karius, in particular, had a strong night. The goalkeeper made several saves against the Bayern offense and played a key role in helping the Royal Blues hold on to the point.
Freiburg and Co. move ahead
With the draw, Bayern now has four points after two matchdays and must relinquish the top spot in the standings. Ahead of Sunday’s matchday, several teams are ahead of the record champions. SC Freiburg, Borussia Dortmund, and newly promoted SV Elversberg each have six points to their credit following their victories on Saturday.
What makes this particularly bitter is that Bayern hadn’t finished a single matchday outside of first place since September 1, 2024. This extraordinary streak has now come to an end, of all places, during their Bundesliga comeback at Schalke.
For Kompany and his team, the priority now is to respond quickly. The next major challenge awaits as early as next week with the start of the Champions League.