Just before the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal London, the record champions‘ nerves are on edge after squandering a 2-0 lead against newly promoted Heidenheim. Bayern substitute goalkeeper Sven Ulreich also made a mistake: in his 100th appearance for Munich, he pushed a ball boy, who then lost his balance and fell down.
With the score at 2:3 in stoppage time, Ulreich tried to prevent the sixth Bundesliga defeat of the season with a quick goal kick – but was not handed the ball by the Heidenheim ball boy.
The 35-year-old then jumped over the advertising board on the edge of the pitch and pushed the ball boy to one side, causing him to lose his balance and stumble against a wall behind him. However, he remained unharmed.
Sven Ulreich pushed a ball boy towards the end of yesterday’s game while he was rushing to take a goal kick. The boy lost his balance and stumbled into the wall behind him. After the final whistle, Ulreich apologised to the boy and gave him his shirt [@SPORT1] pic.twitter.com/CuWdMRDXjO
– Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) April 7, 2024
Ulreich, who was deputising for the currently injured Manuel Neuer in goal, jumped back onto the pitch with the ball in his hands. But the defeat was already sealed, with Bayern losing 3-2.
After the final whistle, Ulreich admitted his faux pas and apologised to the ball boy in the spirit of fair play. The substitute goalkeeper hugged the teenager and gave him his jersey, which he then proudly presented to the camera.
It is still unclear whether the incident will have any consequences for Ulreich. However, he probably had a different idea of his 100th competitive match for the record champions.
Championship probably gone: Leverkusen have everything in their own hands next week
As a result of the defeat at the promoted team, the gap to league leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who beat Union Berlin 1-0 at the same time, is now 16 points.
This gives the Werkself a historic opportunity to clinch the first championship in the club’s history as early as next weekend.
Regardless of how FC Bayern played against 1. FC Köln the day before, Leverkusen only need one more win to lift the trophy.
Alonso’s team will host SV Werder Bremen at home in the BayArena next Sunday at 5.30 p.m. and can also ensure mathematical clarity with a win.
