bundesliga

Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen share points in thrilling top-of-the-table clash

28.09.2024

Robert Andrich and Aleksandar Pavlović both scored sensational goals as Bayer Leverkusen returned home with a point after a gripping encounter away to Bayern Munich.

Bayern dominate, Leverkusen strike

From the opening whistle, Vincent Kompany's Bayern asserted their dominance, controlling possession and pinning Leverkusen back. Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane looked lively, but Leverkusen's defence, marshaled by Jonathan Tah, held firm. The hosts' pressure nearly paid off in the 8th minute when Serge Gnabry's header struck the post. Despite Bayern's control, it was Leverkusen who broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 31st minute when Andrich unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that flew past Neuer, stunning the Allianz Arena into silence.

Bayern's response was swift and spectacular. In the 39th minute, Pavlović, the young midfielder who had earlier made a mistake leading to Leverkusen's corner for their goal, made amends in stunning fashion. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Pavlović unleashed a ferocious volley that rocketed into the top corner, leaving Lukáš Hrádecký with no chance. The goal not only leveled the score but also ignited the home crowd, setting the stage for an enthralling second half.

Robert Andrich celebrates his unexpected opener for Bayer Leverkusen. - DFL/GettyImages/Sebastian Widmann

Second half stalemate

The second half began with Bayern ramping up the pressure. In the 48th minute, Gnabry came agonisingly close to giving Bayern the lead, hitting both the post and the crossbar in quick succession. This set the tone for a half dominated by Bayern's attacking intent and Leverkusen's resolute defending.

Musiala continued to threaten, while Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz showed flashes of brilliance on the counter. As the match wore on, Xabi Alonso's tactical setup frustrated Bayern's attempts to find a winner. The introduction of Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman in the latter stages couldn't break the deadlock, and ultimately both sides had to be content with a point.

Watch: Alonso: "You need to perform against Bayern"

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayern München 1.1637 - Leverkusen 0.1445
Fastest player: Alphonso Davies (FCB), 35.17 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Robert Andrich (B04), 3.64 percent
Most pressed player: Michael Olise (FCB), 30 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Alphonso Davies (FCB), +3.7

Fantasy Heroes: Alphonso Davies (FC Bayern München, 332 Points), Aleksandar Pavlović (FC Bayern München, 296 Points), Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern München, 254 Points)

Watch: Kompany: "It was very intense"