FC Bayern keeps Leverkusen at a distance. The historically harmless appearance in the top game raises uncomfortable questions.
Julian Buhl reports from Leverkusen
When FC Bayern Thomas Müller sends the reporters into the mixed zone, although the vice captain was not even substituted, you already know that unusual things have to have happened before.
That was no different after the goalless master summit of FC Bayern in Leverkusen (0-0) on Saturday evening, when the Munich journalist was surprised in the BayArena. When T-Online Müller asked for this strange appearance of FC Bayern at the start after his conclusion, in which the record champion did not make a single shot on the opposing goal, he said:
“Leverkusen played a good game. We took a good result home with us and will continue.” According to Müller, it was “apparent” that Bavaria could basically play better. But you also have to play in these games if you realize that the momentum may not be on your side, just keep against it, “continued Müller.” And we did it well. “
But for the first time, since this data has been statistically recorded since 1992, and after over 1,100 games, no goal shot at the half -time break and in the end only two attempts that did not even come on goal. Harry Kane’s harmless and blocked shot ended up (73.). Leon Goretzka’s header also flew left next to the goal. The Expected Goals value of Bavaria, i.e. the expected number of goals, was ultimately 0.05, which also marked a negative record.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, had an Expected goal value of 2.19 and twice in bad luck with slatted hits (21st, 25th). In added time, Florian Wirtz also missed the giant option to the winning goal and shot past left. So was that really masterful from Bavaria?
“You can describe this as you want, it could be coated with adjective that it crashes. There are many,” said Müller in his typical quick-witted manner when T-Online asked him this question. “Whether it was masterful or not – we are eight points ahead. It’s what now? February!” Said Müller. “And on Tuesday we have the chance at home (in the playoff second leg in the Champions League against Celtic Glasgow, Note d. Red.). And we don’t care about the rest. “
To form this unusual Bavarian appearance, one has to “say that Leverkusen played really well,” continued Müller. “You actually dared to press against us for the first time. And unfortunately your concept worked out a bit.”
With their courageous appearance against the record champions, the Leverkuseners reminded of what can be seen not far from Müller on the wall in the stadium. There is a framed photo poster on which Leverkusen’s chief coach Xabi Alonso surrounded by his players with the master shell in his hand. From a Bavaria perspective, there is no question, bad memories.
As the league leader with the defended eight-point lead by Müller, Bavaria is now on the best way to overthrow the rebellious Leverkuseners from the throne again after the Titellos last season. With the sixth winless competitive game against Bayer, a little flaw is adhering to the possible master shell for Bavaria. It remains: Against Xabi Alonso, who is still unbeaten in all six previous duels with his ex-club, the Munich simply cannot win.