Bayern Munich have suffered one of the most shocking eliminations in the history of the DFB-Pokal after they lost to third-tier Saarbrucken.
The Bundesliga giants went into Wednesday's fixture having put together a 13-match unbeaten run featuring 11 victories and two draws.
Thomas Tuchel's side had only failed to defeat RB Leipzig - on two occasions - and Bayer Leverkusen all season, while there was a desire to win the DFB-Pokal having failed to lift the trophy since 2020.
However, despite starting with a team that featured just one youngster, Bayern succumbed by a 2-1 scoreline, seeing Saarbrucken score a 96th-minute winner.
Manuel Neuer, Matthijs de Ligt, Kim Min-jae, Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller were all part of the first XI.
Everything appeared to be on track when Muller gave Bayern a 16th-minute advantage, but Patrick Sontheimer equalised shortly before half time.
UNBELIEVABLE SCENES FOR SAARBRÜCKEN! 😱😱
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) November 1, 2023
Bayern Munich knocked out of the DFB Pokal by the 3. Bundesliga side in the 96th minute thanks to this Marcel Gaus goal 👏
The magic of the cup! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8apyoGBu1l
In a bid to avoid embarrassment at Stadion Ludwigspark, Tuchel introduced Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry on the hour mark.
Instead, Bayern failed to find a winner and Saarbrucken, who have failed to win any of their last three 3. Liga fixtures - found the decisive goal in the 96th minute.
A low cross found Marcel Gaus at the back post and the veteran left-back produced a fine first-time finish low into the far corner of the net.
Harry Kane, who left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern in search of silverware, remained on the substitutes' bench and was seemingly in line to be introduced had the game progressed to extra time.
Darren Plant
