Bayern Munich secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach at Borussia-Park, marking only their second win in seven Bundesliga visits to this ground.
Resuming action after the league’s winter break, Bayern started strongly in their pursuit of reclaiming the Bundesliga title.
The Bavarians dominated the first half and created a golden opportunity midway through when Thomas Müller’s determined pressing led to a chance for Leon Goretzka, who inexplicably fired over from six yards.
Müller nearly turned scorer minutes later, meeting Joshua Kimmich’s pinpoint cross, but Gladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas produced a stunning save to deny him.
The visitors felt further frustration just before the break when a potential penalty appeal for handball against Rocco Reitz was waved off by both the referee and VAR.
Despite failing to register a shot in the first half, Gladbach sparked to life after halftime. Tim Kleindienst squandered their best chance, heading over from close range following a precise cross from Reitz.
Bayern capitalized soon after in controversial fashion. Minimal contact from Lukas Ullrich sent Michael Olise to ground inside the box, and Harry Kane made no mistake from the spot, coolly converting the penalty to break the deadlock.
Gladbach pushed for an equalizer, with Nico Elvedi coming closest, narrowly missing the target with a header late on. Bayern had opportunities to extend their lead but failed to capitalize, leaving the visitors to settle for a narrow win.
The victory restores Bayern’s four-point lead at the top over Bayer Leverkusen, while Gladbach remain 10th in the standings.
