The German champions entered the match without several key players, while assistant coach Aaron Danks took charge from the touchline as Kompany underwent medical examinations for an illness that has yet to be publicly diagnosed.

Dayot Upamecano opened the scoring in the 16th minute after launching and finishing a swift counterattack. The French defender won possession in his own half, combined with Michael Olise and advanced before beating Freiburg goalkeeper Mio Backhaus.

Serge Gnabry extended Bayern’s advantage shortly before half-time, finishing after receiving a pass from Nathaniel Brown and sending the ball through Backhaus’s legs.

Freiburg fought back in the closing stages and reduced the deficit after a counterattack resulted in an own goal by Bayern defender Tom Bischof. The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, forcing goalkeeper Jonas Urbig into important saves.

However, Freiburg’s attacking push left space at the other end. Olise took advantage in stoppage time, capitalising on the goalkeeper’s advanced position to score into an unguarded net and secure Bayern’s victory.

The result moved Bayern above Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga standings ahead of their upcoming meeting in Munich.

England captain Harry Kane came close to scoring but was denied by Backhaus late in the second half. Bayern were also without injured captain Manuel Neuer, Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlović and Kim Min-jae. Joshua Kimmich missed the game while on bereavement leave following his father’s death.

Kompany’s health remained a major concern surrounding the club. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl said the coach was stable and that his headache had subsided, but added that medical examinations were ongoing and no final diagnosis had been established.

Danks said Kompany had sent him a message congratulating the team after the victory. Bayern had previously indicated that the coach could be absent for days rather than weeks, although his return would depend on his medical condition.

In another Bundesliga match, Hoffenheim ended Bayer Leverkusen’s six-game winning run with a 3-0 home victory, scoring all three goals in the final 11 minutes.

The match appeared headed for a goalless draw until a video assistant referee review resulted in a penalty for Hoffenheim after Leverkusen captain Edmond Tapsoba fouled Fisnik Asllani in the area.

Andrej Kramarić converted from the spot in the 79th minute, recording what was reported as Hoffenheim’s 1,000th Bundesliga goal.

Alexander Prass then increased the lead on the counterattack but was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for removing his shirt during the celebration. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Hoffenheim added a third through Max Moerstedt deep into stoppage time.

The win extended Hoffenheim’s winning run to three matches across competitions following their 3-0 Europa League victory over Lyon.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia