Three lessons from Bayern Munich and Bayern Leverkusen’s Bundesliga classic game.
On matchday four, Bayer Leverkusen held Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw in what may be a pivotal moment in the Bundesliga title chase. Both teams returned from the international break determined to keep their perfect league record, and with all eyes on Die Werkself, they did not disappoint. Despite an early Harry Kane goal after a shaky start, Leverkusen would claw their way back into the game with a fantastic free-kick from Grimaldo to tie the score at halftime.
The second half was just as exciting as the first, with both teams coming close to taking the lead. Regardless, just as Die Rekordmeister appeared to be losing control of the game, Leon Goretzka found himself in the right place at the right moment to sweep home what appeared to be a winner for Bayern. However, a late penalty conversion by Exequiel Palacios earned Leverkusen a well-deserved point.
Bayer Leverkusen lay down their title credentials
Leverkusen’s offensive has blossomed since the arrivals of Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface, while new acquisition Nathan Tella has yet to make an impression. In addition, Granit Xhaka’s move from Arsenal has been inspired, with the Swiss International assisting Alonso’s side in becoming a completely different beast than previous season. Three lessons from Bayern Munich and Bayern Leverkusen’s Bundesliga classic game.
Nonetheless, while their summer transactions have been remarkable, few would have predicted that Leverkusen would challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga crown. To be able to push Bayern all the way requires consistency week in and week out, and Leverkusen has demonstrated that they are prepared to do so. Three wins in their first three matches had propelled them to the top of the league and the Bundesliga.
More significantly, by matchday four, they would have instilled doubt in the minds of those at Bayern. In an outstanding performance against Die Rekordmeister, Leverkusen fell behind twice but clawed their way back into the game. While they will rue a number of wasted opportunities to win the game, it was a performance that would have definitely instilled a great deal of confidence across the group.
Early warning signs for Thomas Tuchel
Bayern Munich and their passionate fans have had a strange six months. While the resignation of Julian Nagelsmann was not unexpected, it could not have come at a worse time, with the team poised to challenge on three fronts towards the end of the season. Tuchel was left with only the Bundesliga to fight for after disappointing performances in the Champions League and DFB-Pokal.
While his team worked hard to complete their mission, the Meisterschale would return to Bavaria. However, questions about the former Borussia Dortmund boss remained. It was always going to be difficult to implement his style right soon, but expectations were still not met. Following a summer of transfer sagas, Bayern’s squad would end much leaner. Tuchel’s subsequent comments have caused a schism between himself and the Bayern board, with his future becoming a hot topic.
After being held by a stunning Bayer Leverkusen team, a dismal start to the season has continued. Prior to the game, it was widely assumed that Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso was at the top of Bayern’s list of potential successors to Tuchel, while Hansi Flick’s availability will undoubtedly link the former Germany head coach to the club. However, since Tuchel’s hiring, Bayern has failed to impress, and this game has just highlighted the club’s problems. Bayern were fortunate to go away with a point despite being outplayed by Die Werkself in many parts of the game. It’s difficult to picture the Säbener Straße residents putting up with mediocrity for much longer.
Victor Boniface could be the difference maker
When Xabi Alonso was named head coach of Bayer Leverkusen in October, Die Werkself were in danger of relegation. The team’s performance on the field was concerning, and goals were difficult to come by. The Spaniard, on the other hand, would show to be the correct guy to steer Leverkusen back on track. A fantastic finish to the season saw the Werkself qualify for the Europa League, which would have been inconceivable just months before.
Alonso had been able to work his magic and no game better illustrated how far his side had come than their 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich last season. However, consistency was still an issue and signings had to be made if Leverkusen were to become a serious threat. The absence of Patrik Schick for the majority of last season had also left a void in the goalscoring department for Alonso.
Nonetheless, the 41-year-old has previously planned a replacement in the person of Victor Boniface. With six goals in his first four outings, the Nigerian striker has shown to be an outstanding signing. By combining his strength, speed, technical skill, and intellect to produce an abundance of opportunities, he would be a continuous threat to the Bayern backline. Despite failing to score, there are indicators that Boniface might take over the Bundesliga and be the difference maker for Bayer in the quest for the Meisterschale.
