Bayer Leverkusen dealt a severe blow to Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga title hopes with an impressive victory that put them five points ahead.
Josip Stanisic’s precise strike at the back post gave Xabi Alonso’s side the lead in the first half.
The BayArena roared again just after the interval, this time when Alex Grimaldo shot from a tight angle.
In injury time, Jeremie Frimpong sealed the victory after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stepped up for a corner kick.
Second-placed Bayern, the defending champions who had won the previous 11 Bundesliga titles, mustered only one shot on goal as they were thrashed.
Leverkusen’s victory extends their unbeaten streak to 31 matches in all competitions this season.
Bayern’s Thomas Muller stated, “What we’re missing is the guts and the freedom to play.”
“Leverkusen took risks, looked for solutions, and played football.
“We’re playing from A to B, B to C, and nobody plays freely or takes risks.”