Struggling Titlist Seeks Solace at FC Bayern Munich
For the first time in nearly a decade, Bayern Munich, traditionally the dominant force in the Bundesliga, is faced with hosting a current German champion at the Allianz Arena. This scenario echoes the past. But can they withstand Leverkusen's attacks? They're firmly entrenched in Munich, perhaps unwilling to counter-attack?
Picture the Bundesliga as a humble grey mouse, yearning for vibrant colors but never quite shining as brightly as the lavish English league or perhaps even the Spanish La Liga with giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Bundesliga is synonymous with Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund's Yellow Wall, and numerous lesser-known clubs. Most of these clubs leave little to no lasting impact.
Last season, this hierarchy was disrupted by Bayer Leverkusen, who not only secured the German championship but also went undefeated all season under the guidance of their remarkable coach, Xabi Alonso. "Undefeated" might not accurately convey the late-minute heroics of Leverkusen, the Bayer team. Now, in the fifth matchday of the 2024/2025 season, Bayern Munich has the opportunity to restore the Bundesliga's usual order.
The perennial champions, unbeaten since their 2:3 loss to RB Leipzig at the end of August, arrived during Oktoberfest. Consequently, Bayern Munich, as expected, welcomed the incumbent champions at the Allianz Arena in a unique grey jersey. The champions clung on, barely surviving, as Bayern Munich relentlessly attacked. Leverkusen managed a 1:1 draw.
Leverkusen buys time from the get-go
Only nine minutes into this evening's match at the Munich Allianz Arena, referee Felix Zwayer approached Lukas Hradecky, the Finnish goalkeeper of the reigning German champions. Hradecky had again taken too much time to clear the ball, giving Bayern Munich a brief respite. Zwayer was displeased and issued a warning.
The undefeated champions of the previous season were forced back into their own half by the hosts. They barely had any room to breathe. They huddled in their penalty area while Bayern Munich controlled the midfield with Joshua Kimmich, winning balls and sending them into the penalty area with Michael Olise's soft but inaccurate passes. Harry Kane was missing. The prolific Englishman remained scoreless for the first time since joining the Bundesliga.
Olise, however, continued to prove his worth as one of the season's top performers. Everything appeared to be proceeding as it had in a high-intensity match at the Allianz Arena up until the 2023/2024 season. The challenger advanced, was impressed, and ultimately suffered a devastating defeat. Viewers worldwide shook their heads, wondering if Bayer Leverkusen would remain a serious contender in the Bundesliga in the coming years. Or would they revert to their comfortable, uneventful existence in Germany? Last season was already intriguing enough. The Allianz Arena in Munich could have sold out multiple times, and the tension was palpable. At last, a new challenger, after Dortmund had largely been a laughing stock in the globally marketed "German Clásico" games.
Champions plagued by defensive vulnerability
The spectators on their screens were content early on. Not so much in Munich at first. The leader of the champions, Robert Andrich (30.), didn't betray this in the game dominated by Bayern. Bayern's midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic made a mistake in the 30th minute, resulting in an unnecessary corner. Suddenly, he was grounded in the goal. Andrich's precision shot from the penalty area, aided by Granit Xhaka, found the bottom left corner. Manuel Neuer was displeased. "You can't defend everything," he said after the match, and he didn't blame Pavlovic for the goal. "It was just a simple mistake. He's not responsible for the goal."
Alonso made five changes after the thrilling 4:3 win against VfL Wolfsburg, including bringing on the goal scorer. The defense, which was their pride last season, became a concern. Leverkusen had already conceded nine goals before the game. The champions serving as a shooting gallery? The goals against Wolfsburg nearly caused trauma for Leverkusen. "We wanted to stand tight today," said Xhaka after the match. The Swiss had complained after the previous week's win and sought a more defensive approach. That's why Andrich was brought in. "Against Bayern, you need someone who knows how to fight," said Xhaka.**
Andrich's threats repeatedly posed a danger, which was a welcome bonus for Leverkusen. Andrich commented on the goal matter-of-factly. "Xhaka didn't pass it perfectly. I struck it perfectly," he said. But the one perfect moment wasn't enough. Because it revealed a previously unknown weakness at the back, even if he didn't admit it.**
Pavlovic, who was again preferred over the €50 million signing Joao Palinha, didn't seem too concerned about his error before the 0:1. He responded with a stunning goal (39'). The national player controlled the ball 25 meters from the goal with his chest and finished with exceptional balance. Hradecky reached the ball, but it still found the top right corner. And who was late to block it? None other than Andrich! "I can't head it away if I'm standing right," he said.
Bayern was on a roll, holding onto the ball more than Leverkusen had under Alonso ever before. However, they experienced some terrible fortune when Serge Gnabry, following a sensational assist from Harry Kane, struck the ball off the far post and then the crossbar within seconds in the 48th minute. Hradecky was left staggered, never having witnessed such an occurrence before.**
Despite losing their footing briefly, Vincent Kompany's team retained control afterward. They were determined to score the redemptive goal. Leverkusen, however, stayed alert. "We only conceded when we were dozing off," Andrich remarked.**
The last time Bayern hosted a reigning German champion at the Allianz Arena was on December 1, 2012, ending in a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund with goals from Toni Kroos and Mario Götze. This served as a precursor to events in the 2012/2013 season, both on the transfer market and in Wembley. First, Bayern successfully poached future World Cup hero Götze from his mentor Jürgen Klopp. Then, they emerged victorious in the German final in London. Since then, Dortmund hasn't fully recovered from its setback. While it still competes at the domestic and international level, it's been in a constant state of rebuilding.
Is Leverkusen headed down the same path? Or will it rise to prominence instead of crumbling? The future remains uncertain. And of course, the humbled FC Bayern is eager to shape it.
During the summer, Bayern had shown interest in acquiring Jonathan Tah. However, it wasn't considered a priority. But the fuss it caused eventually led to Fernando Carro clashing with Bayern's new powerful figure, Max Eberl. But Bayern's main target is Florian Wirtz, the new Götze of sorts.
However, times have changed. The international gap has grown wider. There are Real Madrid and the English Premier League giants. Europe's elite clubs produce world-class players, a feat uncommon in the Bundesliga, which appears dull in comparison. Wirtz, as well as Jamal Musiala - Bayern's "century player," should aim for a higher level. As much as Bayern would love a Musiala midfield, it might not be possible in this autumn 2024. "They are two outstanding players," Eberl commented after the game, avoiding further comment.**
Eberl pleased with Bayern's performance
Meanwhile, Bayern's desire was understandable. Musiala, the subject of recent criticism from Didi Hamann regarding his dribbling, displayed his unique skills on Saturday by dribbling past his defenders. He evaded the Leverkusen players, twirled around, and was often brought down by fouls in the first half. In the second half, he faded away along with the rest of the match.
On the contrary, Wirtz struggled to impress against the defensively-oriented Leverkusen. Bayern took control before the national player could even touch the ball. He only managed to stand out with a yellow card (57.) for a high kick. After that, things grew quiet. Bayern maintained control while Leverkusen stayed afloat, refusing to succumb.**
The 1-1 draw in the Allianz Arena was a far cry from a top-class international game. It was a forgettable match that wouldn't linger in memory. But Leverkusen should be alarmed by this. It reminded them of Borussia Dortmund on December 1, 2012. With poor results, Dortmund never became champions again. Unlike Leverkusen, they were already behind. But Bayern seized the opportunity then, and now, Eberl boasts, "We've made our mark. In the way we played football." By the time crunch time arrives next season, they aim to set the most significant exclamation mark "in the Champions League final," perhaps even against Leverkusen. Then, the Bundesliga may no longer be seen as a bland mouse.
In the heated exchange of passes between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, Jamal Musiala, Bayern's "century player," showcased his dribbling skills, leaving Leverkusen defenders in his wake. Despite his initial impact, Musiala's influence waned in the second half, a contrast to the energetic performance from the young Gunner.
Following the 1-1 draw, featuring a goal from Robert Andrich off a misplaced pass from Aleksandar Pavlovic, Bayern's Max Eberl was satisfied with his side's showing. Eberl acknowledged the presence of two standout players in Musiala and Florian Wirtz, a potential future tandem for Bayern's midfield, though he refrained from discussing the possibility for the autumn 2024 season.
