Bayern Munich And Bayer Leverkusen Played Out A 1-1 Draw

Shilpa Rajan September 30, 2024

Bayern Munich started perfectly to the 2024-25 Bundesliga season but was halted by Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, as the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena. The visitors took the lead despite Bayern’s early momentum. Vincent Kompany’s side soon returned to the game and had to settle for a point against the defending champions.

Bayern Munich: Harry Kane led the line

Bayern Munich named a strong side for this clash. England’s captain Harry Kane led the line. New signing Michael Olise started on the right wing. Jamal Musiala played as the number 10 and Serge Gnabry played on the other flank. Joshua Kimmich and young talent Aleksandar Pavlovic were in charge of the midfield. Manuel Neuer stood in the goal. Alphonso Davies, Kim, Dayot Upamecano, and Raphael Guerreiro completed the back four.

Familiar faces for the German champions

Xabi Alonso selected 10 players who were instrumental in their title-winning season. Lukas Hradecky stood in goal. Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, and Edmond Tapsoba were the back three. Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong were the two attacking full-backs. Granit Xhaka and Robert Andrich were the two holding midfielders. Florian Wirtz and new signing Martin Terrier were the two players in front of them. Victor Boniface led the line for Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern Munich dominates but Leipzig takes the lead

The home team began with more confidence. They were the better team throughout the match. Bayer Leverkusen was happy to sit back and hit the opposition on the counter. The visitors soaked the early pressure and took the lead. Robert Andrich’s strike from outside the box in the 31^st minute helped Leverkusen take the lead.

Bayern Munich had some other plans and made a comeback with a 39th-minute volley by Aleksandar Pavlovic. The 20-year-old showed his technical ability and scored a long-range banger. Bayern attempted seven shots in the first half and Leverkusen only attempted one. Both teams only had a single shot on target.

Vincent Kompany’s side dominated the second half with 69% possession. They attempted 11 shots but only two were on target. Alonso’s men made two attempts with a 50% accuracy rate. Both teams could not score another goal and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The End of Perfect Start

This draw ends Bayern Munich’s perfect start in the Bundesliga under Vincent Kompany. However, they remain unbeaten in the season after five games. Only RB Leipzig is the other club with an undefeated run in the German top flight this season. Bayern sits at the top of the table with 13 points. Leipzig are two points behind them. On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen is third in the league table with 10 points. They suffered a loss against Leipzig.

Kompany’s side will travel to England for their UEFA Champions League tie against Aston Villa. Eintracht Frankfurt are their next opponents in the league. Leverkusen host AC Milan in an exciting match. Their next league match is against newly promoted Holstein Kiel. Xabi Alonso’s side needs to give their everything to defend the league title.