Bayern Munich dropped from the top of the Bundesliga table for the first time in nearly two years after being held to a 0–0 draw by newly promoted Schalke at the Veltins-Arena on Matchday 2 of the Bundesliga season.
The result snapped the Bavarian giants’ record-breaking run of 67 consecutive matchdays at the summit of the German top flight—a streak that began two seasons ago and spanned their entire title-winning campaign last year, before being halted by Schalke upon their return to the top tier.
Vincent Kompany’s side dominated the match with 83% possession and generated an expected goals (xG) total of 2.12. However, they were repeatedly thwarted by goalkeeper Loris Karius, who produced five saves—including denying Harry Kane’s point-blank effort—to secure a clean sheet for the hosts.
Kompany initially rested several key attackers before calling on Kane at the start of the second half, followed by Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise. Despite sustained late pressure, Bayern failed to break down Schalke’s resolute deep block and an inspired goalkeeping performance.
Bayern had opened their title defense with a convincing 5–1 victory over VfB Stuttgart, featuring goals from Dayot Upamecano, Michael Olise, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Luis Díaz, along with an own goal, to hold top spot on goal difference before dropping their first points of the campaign.
Schalke returned to the Bundesliga this season following a three-year absence, securing promotion as 2. Bundesliga champions. After a 3–0 opening weekend defeat to Augsburg, the Royal Blues claimed their first point since returning to the top flight in their first home match at the Veltins-Arena.
SC Freiburg now lead the Bundesliga standings as sole leaders with six points, ahead of Borussia Dortmund and SV Elversberg on goal difference. Bayern Munich dropped to fourth place with four points, while Schalke temporarily moved up to 14th with one point.
Bayern host Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt on Thursday, September 10, in their UEFA Champions League league phase opener, before returning to domestic action against Elversberg on Sunday, September 13.
