The points were shared at the Allianz Arena between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen after Exequiel Palacios secured a point for Xabi Alonso’s side in stoppage time. In what was billed as Game of the Week against the Bundesliga’s only teams with a 100 percent record intact, this fixture didn’t disappoint.
Harry Kane opened the scoring inside seven minutes. The Englishman found himself free at the back post from a corner, losing Granit Xhaka, and heading Bayern into the lead. Kane won’t score an easier goal all season. The Rekordmeister then controlled the opening phase but it was Alex Grimaldo’s sublime free-kick that brought Leverkusen back into the tie. The Spaniard showcased incredible technique that gave Sven Ulreich no chance.
Victor Boniface then had a goal correctly ruled out for offside, but the Nigerian showcased just what a talent he is. In a game that was played at ferocious intensity, the final ten minutes was end-to-end football. Florian Wirtz hit the post, seconds later Edmond Tapsoba made an incredible last man tackle to deny Jamal Musiala.
Leon Goretzka scored then what he and Bayern thought to be the winner five minutes from time after excellent play from Mathys Tel, but Palacios scored from the spot after Jonas Hofmann was brought down inside the area by Alphonso Davies four minutes into stoppage time. In truth, shared points was probably a fair result.
Bayern Munich Player Ratings
Sven Ulreich, 8
Konrad Laimer, 5
Dayot Upamecano, 6
Kim Min-jae, 6
Alphonso Davies, 7
Joshua Kimmich, 6 – Brought off just after the hour mark. Struggled in possession with Bayer Leverkusen’s press. Struggled to impose himself on the game with Noussair Mazraoui replacing the German, and Laimer switching into midfield alongside Goretzka.
Leon Goretzka, 7
Leroy Sané, 8 – Involved in the majority of Bayern’s attacks on the night. Arguably their best player this season and has improved considerably. Won 50% of his ground duels and dribbles, had a shot on target and also completed two key passes.
Thomas Müller, 7
Serge Gnabry, 6
Harry Kane, 8
Others: Noussair Mazraoui (6), Jamal Musiala (6), Mathys Tel (7), Matthijs de Ligt (-), Eric Choupo-Moting (-)
Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings
Lukas Hradecky, 9 – The Finn has often come in for criticism, but Hradecky was excellent on the night. Couldn’t do anything about Kane’s goal, but made seven saves. Could well have been a different outcome otherwise.
Odilon Kossounou, 7
Jonathan Tah, 6
Edmond Tapsoba, 7
Jeremie Frimpong, 7 – An excellent battle with Davies. The Dutchman did an excellent job of pinning Davies back in Bayern’s defensive third, nullifying his attacking threat. Two of the Bundesliga’s fastest players.
Robert Andrich, 5
Granit Xhaka, 6
Alex Grimaldo, 7
Jonas Hofmann, 6
Florian Wirtz, 7
Victor Boniface, 8 – Did an excellent job in the first half of exploiting the space behind Laimer and Upamecano. Showcased his physicality and explosive pace, troubled Ulreich and had a goal ruled out for offside. A couple of situations where the Nigerian could have opted for a teammate in a better position, but another commendable performance. Already proving an excellent transfer coup at just €20.5m.
Others: Exequiel Palacios (8), Amine Adli (-), Piero Hincapié (-), Nadiem Amiri (-)
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
