- The top of the Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich was one of the most awaited games this weekend
- Leverkusen increased their lead on top of the Bundesliga by five points after thrashing second placed Bayern Munich 3-0
The top of the Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich was one of the most awaited games this weekend.
Leverkusen have been in stellar form this season and the atmosphere at the BayArena on Saturday was boisterous as they hosted second placed Bayer Munich. Xabi Alonso‘s side landed a big blow in the title race by thumping Bayern 3-0 in a match that was their biggest test in the Bundesliga.
The hosts took the lead inside 18 minutes through Josip Stanisic who finished clinically at the back post. They then sealed the win in the second half, thanks to goals from Alex Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong.
Leverkusen are the only unbeaten team left in Europe this season, winning 27 matches and drawing four. The Bundesliga runners-up in 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2001-02 and 2010-11 have never won the league, but we could see that change this year considering the work Xabi Alonso is doing.
Bayer Leverkusen are the only unbeaten side left in Europe this season. Photo/ Eurosport.
Bayer Leverkusen fans are dreaming as anything is possible but Alonso calls for calm as it is still too early.
“Today it was a very disciplined performance from my team. It was not easy but we waited for our chances. Maybe we did not have the ball too much today but we wanted to be dominant even without the ball. It was a very important win but it is just three points. We have to keep going. It is still February and we need to remain calm.” Xabi Alonso said after his side beat Bayern Munich, according to Sky Sports.
How Bayer Leverkusen Beat Bayern Munich
Anticipation was at fever-pitch at the BayArena but the game was delayed for a few minutes because fans threw sweets onto the field protesting against the DFL.
Eventually, the game started and after a cagey opening ten minutes, it was Leverkusen who had the first big chance of the game. Amine Adli found his way into the box before testing Manuel Neuer.
Leverkusen finally went in front in the 17th minute, thanks to Josip Stanisic who was just at the right place to convert Robert Andrich’s low cross. Well, Bayern never expected Stanisic would come back to haunt them in this manner after sending him on loan to Leverkusen last August.
Bayern’s attack led by Harry Kane was quiet for most of the first half. Shortly after the break, Alex Grimaldo increased Leverkusen’s lead to 2-0 after a simple one-two with Nathan Tella.
While many had expected the hosts to play a defensive game when 2-0 up, they continued to attack and cause chaos in Bayern’s defence. Substitute Jeremie Frimpong then sealed the win for the Xabi Alonso’s side in stoppage time with a long range effort.
Harry Kane ‘Ghosts’ The Whole Game
While it was a difficult evening for the whole Bayern Munich team, Harry Kane, in particular, had a quiet night. The Bundesliga top scorer, who has so far scored 24 goals in 21 matches, had just 18 touches the whole match. The England international had no short on target and didn’t create any big chance.
Even though there’s still a long way to go before the end of this campaign, Kane wouldn’t want to finish the season without a winner’s medal.
Harry Kane had a quiet night against Bayer Leverkusen. Photo/ Goal.com.
“We didn’t play well with the ball. We pressed well but when we got it we seemed to give it back to them. That allowed them to build momentum. In the final third we weren’t good in the one-vs-one battles or the duels. The final delivery wasn’t there. A really disappointing day with the ball.” Harry Kane said after Bayern lost to Leverkusen, as per Sky Sports.
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