Bayern slump to defeat at Stuttgart as Real await

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - VfB Stuttgart v Bayern Munich - MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany - May 4, 2024 VfB Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel in action with Bayern Munich's Harry Kane REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Soccer Football - Bundesliga - VfB Stuttgart v Bayern Munich - MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany - May 4, 2024 Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer acknowledges fans after the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
Soccer Football - Bundesliga - VfB Stuttgart v Bayern Munich - MHPArena, Stuttgart, Germany - May 4, 2024 Bayern Munich players look dejected after the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

STUTTGART, Germany - VfB Stuttgart substitutes Jeong Woo-yeong and Silas scored late goals to snatch a 3-1 win over visitors Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on Saturday, spoiling the Bavarians' preparations for their Champions League semi-final return leg against Real Madrid.

Bayern, who are in second place on 69 points, two ahead of Stuttgart in third with two games left, face Real in Spain on Wednesday after their 2-2 draw in Munich.

The defeat added to an already disappointing domestic campaign for Thomas Tuchel's team, with the coach set to leave at the end of the season.

It also killed off speculation about Tuchel potentially staying on following their deep Champions League run and after some coaches, including Ralf Rangnick, turned down offers from the Bavarians.

For Stuttgart, however, the result crowned what has been an exceptional campaign with a club-record equalling 21st win of the season.

The hosts took a deserved lead through Leonidas Stergiou's flick over keeper Manuel Neuer just before the half hour mark after missing three golden chances.

Much-changed Bayern levelled with a penalty from Harry Kane in the 37th minute, his 36th league goal of the season.

Kane is now five goals behind the all-time Bundesliga scoring record for a season of 41 goals set by Robert Lewandowski in 2021.

It was Suttgart who looked sharper, however, and substitute Jeong Woo-yeong beat Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer at the far post in the 84th minute to put the hosts back in front.

The 25-year-old Silas sealed the win with a low drive in stoppage time after a Bayern defensive error. REUTERS

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.