As FC Bayern Munich’s disappointing season unfolds, a startling statistic has emerged: after 33 matchdays, the record champions have conceded nine penalties, setting a new club record.
In more successful seasons, FC Bayern usually dominates matches, creating numerous offensive actions and facing less pressure in defense. Penalties are often awarded in their favor. However, this year, a staggering 21.6% of the 37 goals conceded (eight in total) have come from penalties, with referees handing out nine against them.
Of these nine penalties, only Mainz’s Jonathan Burkardt failed to convert his spot-kick against Sven Ulreich in a 6-2 defeat. In contrast, Yann Sommer had no choice but to retrieve the ball from the net for all six penalties against him. Notably, FC Bayern conceded two penalties each in the 3-1 loss to Leipzig and the 2-1 defeat to Leverkusen, both of which were game-changing and potentially title-deciding moments.
This season’s nine penalties equal the combined total from the previous three seasons, setting a new unwanted record for the club. The previous record was eight, set in the 1974/1975 and 2003/2004 seasons. The eight penalties converted against Bayern surpass the old records of seven from the 1965/1966, 1974/1975, 1977/1978, and 2003/2004 seasons. In each of these cases, FC Bayern did not secure the German championship. After Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 win over FC Augsburg on Sunday evening, it appears that celebrations will be scarce in Munich this year.
While it’s difficult to identify a specific pattern, lapses in concentration are undoubtedly a contributing factor. For example, Benjamin Pavard clumsily fouled Christopher Nkunku against Leipzig, conceding his third penalty this season – more than any other Bundesliga player.
Other culprits include Dayot Upamecano, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and even attacking player Serge Gnabry. This is a clear indication of a team that has lost its self-confidence and is prone to self-sabotage. Notably, the penalty that led to the 2-1 loss against Leipzig stemmed from a Bayern throw-in – a far cry from the norm for the record champions.
