Bundesliga Briefing: Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise shine for Bayern, farewell to Timo Werner - The Athletic

Bayern Munich secured a dominant 5-1 away victory against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Despite a strong first-half performance from Leipzig, highlighted by Romulo's opening goal, Bayern turned the game around in the second half. The equalizer came from Serge Gnabry after a high press from defender Dayot Upamecano forced a mistake, a tactic that has become a key part of Bayern's strategy under Vincent Kompany. Upamecano's overall performance, including his crucial interventions, underscores his development into an outstanding player, with a contract extension expected soon.

Further contributions in Bayern's win came from Michael Olise, who recorded three assists and a goal, bringing his season total to 23 goal involvements. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, aged 39, was also pivotal, making several critical saves, including one to deny Yan Diomande an equalizer at 2-1, proving his continued elite status in German football.

In other Bundesliga matches, Borussia Dortmund narrowly avoided dropping points at home against St. Pauli. After leading 2-0, Dortmund were pulled back to 2-2, but a late penalty, converted by Emre Can after a VAR-reviewed foul, secured a 3-2 victory. The matchday also saw Hamburg and Borussia Monchengladbach draw 0-0, Wolfsburg draw 1-1 with Heidenheim, and Koln end a long winless run by beating Mainz 2-1, providing much-needed relief for coach Lukas Kwasniok.

Hoffenheim continued their strong home form with a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, thanks to a Wouter Burger free-kick that Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken failed to save. The match had significant consequences for Leverkusen, as Flekken suffered a knee ligament injury that will sideline him for an extended period, forcing a change in goal for their upcoming Champions League match and beyond.