Race and class in the top game of the Bundesliga between FC Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen and no winner. After a turbulent 90 minutes, the Werkself got a point thanks to a last-minute goal at 2:2 (1:1).
The first 45 minutes offered the highest level of entertainment value, but in the final phase the events came to a head. First, national player Leon Goretzka appeared to have put the champions on the winning path in the 84th minute. But the Leverkusen team struck back: a converted penalty by Exequiel Palacios in the fourth minute of added time after a foul on Jonas Hofmann secured the draw for the Leverkusen team. Dayout Upamecano’s subsequent goal for Bayern two minutes later was disallowed for offside.
The top game delivered everything it promised: high tempo, spectacular saves and dramatic final minutes. In the end, the main thing that remains is that the Munich team has actually become a very serious competitor for the German championship in Bayer Leverkusen this season.
“It was intense for us on the pitch. High level for the spectators, it’s a great Friday evening,” said Leverkusen’s Jonas Hofmann. “2-2 is deserved by the result, we should have scored before half-time, but we were also lucky,” said Bayern veteran Thomas Müller after the hard-fought duel.
It was the first points loss of the season for both teams. Leverkusen remains at the top of the table. First pursuer on the eve of the start of Oktoberfest: FC Bayern.
A dynamic start for Bayern
Bayern got off to a lively and powerful start in front of a sold-out arena and were wide awake from the start. Inevitably they took the lead early. Edmond Tapsoba unintentionally extended a sharp corner from Leroy Sané to the second post. Granit Xhaka lost sight of Harry Kane there. Munich’s new goalkeeper nodded in from close range – 1-0.
Leverkusen, who had started the season so brilliantly, initially struggled to escape the Bayern whirlwind even after conceding a goal. Only when Munich took a breather after 20 minutes did the Werkself get into the game better and promptly score an equalizer, also from a set piece.
Grimaldo’s dream free kick right in the corner
Bayer’s new signing Alejandro Grimaldo beautifully curled a free kick from almost 20 minutes from a central position into the top right corner – no chance for FCB keeper Sven Ulreich. Grimaldo himself had previously been fouled by Thomas Müller.
Leverkusen’s equalizer had an impact. The Werkself now played much more courageously. This led to a fast-paced top game at an absolutely top level, in which Leverkusen’s shooting star Victor Boniface put himself in the spotlight several times, but either had no luck at the end or was defeated by the strong Sven Ulreich.
Hradecky with sensational saves
On the other hand, Leverkusen’s keeper also showed his class. Lukas Hradecky did a great job of parrying the headers from Müller and Goretzka and also had a hand in stopping Gnabry’s low shot. A 3:3 at the break would definitely have been possible.
Things weren’t quite as turbulent after the break. It is possible that some people on the field were losing their strength due to international play in the middle of the week. Tuchel reacted early, bringing on Jamal Musiala and Noussair Mazraoui for Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Müller after an hour.
More safety, less risk – that’s how things continued in the second half. More changes followed and another thrilling final phase, including Wirtz’s shot off the post (78′). Goretzka then scored after excellent work from Mathys Tel before Alphonso Davies conceded the penalty.
Bayern against Bochum, Leverkusen welcomes Heidenheim
Now there are easier opponents for both teams in the Bundesliga. After the Champions League duel against Manchester United on Wednesday, FC Bayern will face VfL Bochum on the next league matchday (Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.). Bayer will only play in the Europa League against BK Häcken on Thursday, then on Sunday in front of their home crowd against Heidenheim (3:30 p.m.).