Bayern Munich are navigating one of the most turbulent weeks in recent memory, yet they came through it with a 3-1 win at Freiburg that felt like far more than three points. The result was overshadowed, and given extra weight, by the absence of Vincent Kompany, who collapsed at the training ground on Friday and was taken to hospital. Sportvorstand Max Eberl confirmed the coach is stable but will be absent for weeks, with a final diagnosis still pending. Co-trainer Aaron Danks stepped in calmly, and Kompany sent a WhatsApp message after the final whistle reading simply: "Gut gemacht."

The squad Danks had available was threadbare. Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Diaz, Jamal Musiala, Min-jae Kim, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Bara Ndiaye all missed the match through injury or personal circumstances. Despite that, Bayern were composed and controlled for long stretches. Dayot Upamecano scored the opener after a driving run, Serge Gnabry added a second that was also his 100th Bundesliga goal, and Michael Olise sealed it in stoppage time after winning the ball at the halfway line. Jonas Urbig, deputising for Neuer, made five strong saves to protect the lead after Tom Bischof's own goal gave Freiburg a lifeline.

With 17 points from seven games, Bayern sit top of the Bundesliga on goal difference ahead of Borussia Dortmund. A DFB-Pokal tie against Magdeburg comes next before that league clash with Dortmund.