Borussia Mönchengladbach comfortably dispatched Bayern Munich to shock the league leaders and reigning champions at Borussia-Park. Oscar Wendt, Lars Stindl and Fabian Johnson all struck within 14 second half minutes to render Franck Ribéry's goal meaningless and secure a 3-1 win.
Bayern on top in the first half
It was a tough beginning for both sides, in a game that was cagey at first. Neither team wanted to over-commit and the Gladbach formation had largely stifled Bayern's attacking threat. Raffael did, however, force Neuer into an early save after Xabi Alonso gave obsession in midfield but the Bavarians' stopper comfortably dealt with it.
The visitors finally mustered a meaningful attack after the quarter-hour mark, as Robert Lewandowski, Mehdi Benatia and Thomas Müller all went close in quick succession. The best chance of the half came not long after that, as Javi Martinez was excellently denied by Yann Sommer before Kingsley Coman hit the post on the rebound.
A Lars Stindl header was the the last attempt in a first half that flattered to deceive, though André Schubert's tactic would soon change all that in the second half.
Gladbach's second half showing stuns champions
What followed in the second half was far from expected, and it began with Wendt getting his second goal of the season. After good play from Johnson and Raffael in the build-up, the Swedish international was able to sweep the ball into the far corner with his supposed weaker right foot from 10 yards.
Two goals in three minutes then sealed the three points for the home side, who were simply irresistible. After a long ball into the box, Nico Elvedi was able to nod the ball down to an unmarked Stindl and he made absolutely no mistake by volleying home from inside the area. Just moments later, Johnson ran past Jerome Boateng and slotted past Neuer to make it three-nil.
There was one small positive for Bayern, however, as Pep Guardiola's men did get on the scoresheet. Ribéry, who had been on the pitch for just six minutes after a nine-month absence, managed to net a consolation goal but that was as good as it got. Gladbach moved up to third, while Bayern's first chance to confirm their place as the top-of-the-table side at Christmas was passed up.