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Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said the Bundesliga title race was “obviously” over after his side’s loss to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday left them 13 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen with seven game remaining
Dortmund defeated Bayern 2-0 away in der Klassiker to leave unbeaten Leverkusen just three wins away from winning the Bundesliga for the first time.
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Asked whether the title race was now essentially over, Tuchel, who will leave at the end of the season, said: “Obviously, yes.
“After today’s game there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen.
“We are very disappointed because we felt we did not bring the necessary passion to win the game. It was too little from us when it came to the basics.”
Karim Adeyemi and Julian Ryerson scored in each half for Dortmund’s first league win at Bayern for 10 years.
Bayern, the 11-time defending champions, were left with the realisation they will most likely have to win the Champions League to avoid their first trophy-less season since 2012.
Bayern face Arsenal away in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal on April 9.
Dortmund had to do without the support of their ultras, who reportedly had difficulties bringing their flags and banners into the stadium. Those who made it in decided to leave in solidarity with those who did not.
Police had an increased presence around the stadium in response to an apparent online threat linked to the terror group Islamic State, though a police spokesman said there was “no concrete threat” and played down its significance.
Leverkusen only just avoided their first defeat of the season when Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick scored late to beat Hoffenheim 2-1.
Leverkusen were heading toward the end of their German record 38-game unbeaten run in their first game since coach Xabi Alonso confirmed he’s staying at the club, when Andrich equalized in the 88th minute and Schick scored the winner in the first minute of stoppage time.
“Every game is a huge challenge for us,” Alonso said. “We were lucky but we showed a very good mentality to keep going, to keep believing. We had a chance to win just like against Qarabag [in the Europa League] and we did it.
“To have this faith to have a winning mentality, it is something that is created and we have created it this season.”
Information from Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.