As of: September 30, 2024 12:00 a.m
Bayern Munich could only manage a draw against a completely overmatched Bayer Leverkusen. The champions were clearly disoriented. The top match of the Bundesliga on Saturday ended 1:1 (1:1), despite the record champions showing significant superiority—Bayer defended effectively and had some luck on their side.
It was the well-known cold shower that Robert Andrich turned on for the visitors: After their first somewhat orderly progression across the halfway line, Andrich struck from over 20 meters, beating Manuel Neuer in the champions’ goal in the 31st minute.
Aleksandar Pavlovic, who contributed to Munich’s setback, redeemed himself by scoring the equalizer with a long-range shot in the 39th minute. No further goals were scored.
To the live ticker: Bayern Munich – Leverkusen
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5th matchday
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Bayern coach Kompany: “It looked like a top game”
“The style of play today was not our usual style with the ball. However, we defended well as a team without the ball,” Jonathan Tah summarized after the game on the Sportschau microphone. “Bayern were much more dominant with the ball, but they did not accomplish much from that.”
“That is simply Leverkusen’s strength. They can apply pressure when they want, but they also defend well,” said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. “It looked like a top match, which is positive. On another day, we might have had more success in taking our chances.”
Neuer again between the Munich posts
After a brief injury setback, Manuel Neuer returned to Bayern’s goal for the much-anticipated encounter against the champions, billed as a great chance for Munich to avenge themselves. In addition to Neuer, Serge Gnabry and Raphaël Guerreiro rejoined the team, while Kingsley Coman and Konrad Laimer remained sidelined. Visiting coach Xabi Alonso made five changes to his lineup and relied on national player Robert Andrich in midfield.
Bayern, showing exceptional determination from the outset, commanded what felt like 90 percent possession in the first half hour. The first highlight came from Jamal Musiala, who took on four Leverkusen players in a solo run from 25 meters out, only being stopped by national defender Jonathan Tah just before the edge of the penalty area. Michael Olise then placed the resulting free kick just over Bayer’s goal to the right.
Leverkusen capitalizes on 100 percent of its scoring opportunities
The visitors’ defense struggled under Bayern’s relentless pressure in the first half hour but managed to withstand the onslaught. They coldly capitalized on their first opportunity. After their initial foray through Granit Xhaka, Aleksandar Pavlovic carelessly conceded a corner. Leverkusen took advantage of this first chance to take the lead: Alex Grimaldo delivered the corner from the left, and after perfect positioning by Xhaka, Andrich struck the ball from deep, sending it into the net on the left, unstoppable.
The Munich team appeared shocked for just a moment but quickly resumed their previous form. Musiala first missed a shot from nearly 20 meters, then Pavlovic attempted from distance. Following Olise’s strong setup, Tapsoba headed the ball out of the penalty area, right into the feet of the Bayern gem.
Pavlovic let the ball bounce once and then unleashed a shot from nearly 25 meters. Lukas Hradecky saw it late and stretched but could only get his fingertips to it. Thus, the deficit was erased again.
Bayern pressure remains high – double aluminum
Even after halftime, Bayern’s superiority remained evident: the hosts were consistently a step quicker, especially in the duels. Leverkusen fought valiantly against the relentless Bayern, but were visibly disoriented. After a high pass from Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry volleyed at the level of the second post but only struck the right post, from which the ball rebounded back to Gnabry. He then aimed for a second attempt beneath the crossbar but again only hit the woodwork (48th minute).
An hour into the game, Olise had his best chance, but Hradecky was perfectly positioned to block the close-range shot from the right. Kimmich and Davies each tried their luck from distance, narrowly missing the target.
Leverkusen maintains its discipline in defense
As time ran out for Munich, who were greatly dominant, Kingsley Coman, Konrad Laimer, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller were introduced, but even their presence failed to generate further scoring opportunities—almost none. A free kick variant almost led to success: Müller wandered offside without intending to affect the play. Joshua Kimmich passed to Musiala on the left, who then fed Müller in a central position. However, Tapsoba sensed danger and blocked Bayern’s offensive play.
Leverkusen defended with discipline and attempted a shot through Nathan Tella toward the end of the second half, but the champions were unable to mount an effective attack on this fifth matchday.
Munich will travel to Frankfurt, Leverkusen faces Kiel
Leverkusen awaits the team from Kiel on matchday 6 (October 5th, 3:30 p.m.). The Munich team will head to Frankfurt one day later (October 6th, 5:30 p.m.).
Bayern Munich for your calendar
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Bayer Leverkusen for your calendar
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Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Match Overview
Match Summary
On September 30, 2024, Bayern Munich faced Bayer Leverkusen in what was billed as a top match of the Bundesliga round. The game ended in an unexpected 1:1 draw, much to the surprise of many fans and analysts, given Bayern’s overall dominance in possession and chances.
Key Moments of the Match
- 31st Minute: Robert Andrich opens the scoring for Bayer Leverkusen with a stunning long-range shot, catching Manuel Neuer off guard.
- 39th Minute: Aleksandar Pavlovic compensates for his earlier mistake by equalizing for Bayern Munich with his own long-range effort.
- 48th Minute: Bayern’s Serge Gnabry hits the post twice within seconds, showcasing the frustration of the home side.
First Half Analysis
The match began with Bayern Munich exhibiting clear superiority in terms of possession, maintaining about 90% during the initial 30 minutes. Despite their dominance, they failed to capitalize on any opportunities, with Bayer Leverkusen’s defense successfully repelling the onslaught.
The first major threat came from Bayern’s Jamal Musiala, who showcased skill by maneuvering past several defenders before having his shot thwarted just outside the penalty area. However, the game took a turn when Bayer Leverkusen seized their first real chance:
“Andrich hit the ball from the backcourt into the goal on the left, unstoppable.”
Following Andrich’s goal, Bayern displayed resilience and quickly found an equalizer through Aleksandar Pavlovic, who struck from nearly 25 meters after a setup from Michael Olise.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Tactical Setup
Coach Xabi Alonso’s decision to implement a well-structured defensive lineup paid off with Leverkusen executing clever counter-attacks which ultimately led to their opening goal.
Second Half Dynamics
The second half continued with Bayern Munich intensifying their attack, but Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated disciplined defending, holding firm under pressure. Despite introducing substitutes like Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané, Bayern struggled to break through Leverkusen’s wall of defense.
Missed Opportunities
| Player | Chances Missed |
|---|---|
| Serge Gnabry | 2 (one hitting the post twice) |
| Jamal Musiala | 1 (shot from distance) |
| Michael Olise | 1 (close range) |
Key Players of the Match
Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
Returning after a brief injury layoff, Neuer’s anticipation and shot-stopping abilities were on display, although he was beaten by a well-placed shot from Andrich.
Robert Andrich – Bayer Leverkusen
Andrich’s crucial goal set the tone for Leverkusen’s resilient performance, showcasing his ability to strike from distance and take advantage of rare opportunities.
Coaches’ Remarks
“The style of play today is not our style with the ball, but we defended well as a team without the ball,” – Jonathan Tah.
“It looked like a top game, and that’s good. On another day, we might have had more success in front of goal,” – Bayern Coach Vincent Kompany.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Bayern Munich will head to Frankfurt on October 6, while Bayer Leverkusen will face Kiel at home on October 5. Both teams will be eager to convert this match’s learnings into future victories.
Conclusion
The match between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen was an intriguing display of football, where tactical discipline from Leverkusen countered the aggressive attacking style of Bayern. Analysts and fans alike will reflect on the draw, pondering how Bayern, with all their talent, could only manage a single point against a Leverkusen side that defended admirably.
