Bayern Munich's grip on the Bundesliga title race has loosened after a 0-0 draw at Schalke ended a remarkable 67-game run as league leaders. The result was more than a dropped point. It exposed real questions about the squad's depth and attacking efficiency, with Luis Diaz wasting five big chances across the first two matches and the club recording their first Bundesliga shutout since February 2025.

Vincent Kompany's rotation decision, resting Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala from the start, was understandable given a packed schedule, but it backfired against a disciplined Schalke side marshalled by an outstanding Loris Karius. Even after the trio came off the bench, Bayern could not break through. Sky pundit Dietmar Hamann used the performance to question the summer transfer business, arguing new signing Ismael Saibari is too slow to cover for Kane and that the squad is no stronger than last season.

Musiala's return was the clearest positive from the weekend. The 23-year-old, who missed the opening weeks following a neurological condition, came on in the second half and looked sharp. The club plans to manage his minutes carefully in the weeks ahead, building his load gradually in coordination with Kompany and the medical team.

Off the pitch, Audi's potential exit as a sponsor and shareholder worth 45 million euros annually adds financial uncertainty. Bayern now sit sixth in the table and host Bodoe/Glimt in the Champions League on Thursday, with pressure building to respond quickly.