Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• There continues to be some frustrations surrounding Sane. He was frustrated, his teammates were frustrated, and obviously the coaches were frustrated, as evident by the substitution. Usually not a good sign to come on as a sub and then leave with no apparent injury.
• Lewandowski proved the FIFA Best Award was warranted. His strength and speed were on display throughout the match. And of course, he scored the equalizer and the winner for Bayern! He is simply the best.
• Bayern have beaten the last two unbeatens in one week. On their way to the top of the table, Bayern have made sure that everyone has at least on loss this season going into the winter break.
• This team doesn’t quit. Bayern have conceded first seven games in a row, yet they are unbeaten in all seven. While not a widely recommended game plan, this team makes it work.
• Bayer ran out of steam. The majority of the second half was played end to end. Leverkusen wasn’t able to sustain it and parked the bus with about ten minutes to go. Bayern were able to finally break down their pressure with the last kick of the game.

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Final! Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Bayern Munich

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90’ +3 GOAL! Bayern. Lewandowski scores at the death!

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90’— Three minutes of stoppage time have been announced

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68’ — Bayern substitution. Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala in. Tolisso and Sane out.

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46’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations

• Bayern had no clear chances in the first 42 minutes. The offense wasn’t showing many signs of creativity or finishing capability in this match.
• Lewandowski was all over the field before his goal. He was winning the ball in the defensive third, then would spring the attack.
• Bayern is living dangerously on defense. They have held their own – except on the corner kick that led to the goal. Their high line almost led to another goal.
• Alphonso Davies is putting in a vintage performance on defense. He has kept up with the speedy Bailey. More of that to come in the second half.
• Lewandowski’s goal flipped a switch in Bayern’s attack. They were a different team and had two or three real chances for a go-ahead goal before the break.

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Halftime: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern Munich

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43’ — GOAL! Bayern. Lewandowski with a header, assisted by Muller

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32’ — Bayern Substitution. Kingsley Coman leaves the game injured. Leroy Sane in.

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28’ — Sckick puts the ball into the back of the net again, but it was ruled offsides. VAR is checking.

VAR check complete, no goal

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24’ — Yellow card, Bayern. Serge Gnabry for the bad foul

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14’ — Goal. Leverkusen. Schick scores on a volley from a corner kick

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Kickoff: We are underway in Leverkusen!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! What is going on in that lineup?

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How long can a team’s luck last? That’s what Bayern Munich are about to find out. The Bavarians take on Bayer Leverkusen in the final game of 2020. A topspiel to end one of the best years on record seems like fitting way to go out, but circumstances mean that things are much harder than they need to be.

The last few weeks have been tumultuous to say the least. Bayern have been playing three games a week since August with basically no rest. It’s all come to a head with recent games seeing the team dropping points and conceding goals left and right. Joshua Kimmich has been injured, which doesn’t help matters. But still, despite all the problems, we have to hope that Bayern has what it takes to make it over the line. When you have guys like Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Manuel Neuer on the team, anything’s possible. Let’s get it done.

It’s Bayern time.

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Match Info

Location: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany

Time: 6:30 pm local time, 12:30 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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