Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Review
Bayern Munich faced challenges but boosted their chances of reclaiming the Bundesliga title by securing a 0-0 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, marking the first scoreless encounter between the two teams since April 2017. The match began with intense energy as both sides vied for control in this crucial game, leading to a confrontation after Piero Hincapié received a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Dayot Upamecano in the 11th minute. Despite the presence of talented attackers, this intensity did not quickly result in scoring opportunities, as Kim Min-jae blocked Nathan Tella’s shot following a clever free-kick that set up the forward.
Leverkusen appeared to be the more inventive team, with Florian Wirtz’s improvised shot being saved, followed by Jeremie Frimpong hitting the crossbar with his header. Tella then connected with a brilliant cross from Hincapié but became the second Leverkusen player in just a few minutes to hit the bar. Wirtz attempted a bold shot from the halfway line, noticing Manuel Neuer off his line, but it went wide. Harry Kane’s header just before halftime missed the target, and since he was offside, Bayern ended the half without a single shot for the first time since records began in the 1992/93 season.
Bayern’s difficulties persisted after the break, highlighted when Neuer misjudged Álex Grimaldo’s free-kick, punching it out for a corner, which led to Tella shooting acrobatically wide. Another corner from the home side created issues, with Hiroki Itō clearing Tella’s header off the line, prompting Vincent Kompany to make four substitutions at once. Kane finally managed to get Bayern’s first shot in the 73rd minute, but it was blocked from close range, and Tella’s subsequent attempt met the same fate as Leverkusen quickly regained the initiative.
Ultimately, neither team was able to secure a victory, as Wirtz and Leon Goretzka both missed their attempts at goal. This draw means that both Leverkusen and Bayern have now gone six matches without a loss in all competitions. However, the result is more beneficial for Bayern, who remain eight points ahead of Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga with 12 games left to play.
