Xabi Alonso vs Thomas Tuchel, who will come out on top? (Update: No one…)
Initial reactions and observations
- While the scoreline read 2-2, Bayern Munich fully deserved to win this game. The team created more chances than Leverkusen and were only denied by a dodgy ref and some outstanding saves by Hradecky.
- This does not mean that Thomas Tuchel will go out lightly. The problems are subtle but still there – chief among them how the midfield is set up.
- For all the worries about Dayot Upamecano defending against powerful forwards, he did well against Boniface on the night. A solid performance from him under challenging conditions.
- Thomas Tuchel better beat Manchester United, or there will be hell to pay.
Full time: Bayern Munich 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen.
90’+3′ — Penalty to Leverkusen! And Palacios scores!
86′ — GOOOOOOOAL! Leon Goretzka makes it 2-1! With Tel making the help.
78′ — Florian Wirtz hits the post!
69′ — Sub: Mathys Tel is ON! Serge Gnabry is gone.
60′ — Sub: Kimmich and Muller from Musiala and Mazraoui.
45′ — The second half has begun!
Halftime observation and analysis
- It was a game of momentum with both teams dominating the rounds. 1-1 between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen seems like a fair scoreline but both teams will think they should have scored more.
- Leroy Sane’s corners are better than Joshua Kimmich’s.
- Lucas Hradecky has a Sommer game. The saves of Muller, of Gnabry, of Goretzka … he prevented Bayern from running riot in the last 10 minutes of the half.
Halftime: Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen.
32′ — Boniface got it in the net, but it was offside.
25′ — Goal. Griamldo equalized from a direct free kick.
7′ — EXCELLENT! Harry Kane makes it 1-0! Great corner by Leroy Sane!
kickoff: We continue to Munich!
One hour until kick off: We have lineups! Joshua Kimmich managed to start despite being a doubt for the game, and Thomas Tuchel dropped Noussair Mazraoui for Konrad Laimer – a brave choice. Bayern Munich have Harry Kane up wop supported by Thomas Muller, Leroy Sane, and Serge Gnabry. Matthijs de Ligt is still not in the starting XI.
Everyone more or less agrees that Bayern Munich is the best team in Germany. When you have a team with star players like Harry Kane, Thomas Müller, Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala, etc. – there is no competition.
However, if you ask which team is playing the best football in Germany right now, the answer is probably Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso has transformed that team since he took over, shooting up the table and collecting wins like candy. His Leverkusen team played a very good football, which Julian Nagelsmann knew before he was sacked – in March, Werkself dies registered a shocking 2-1 win against a high-flying FCB, which ultimately led to Nagelsmann’s shock departure and the chaos that followed.
Thomas Tuchel is desperate to avoid the same fate. With most of his players having just returned from the international break, he will have little time to prepare – but that will not be an excuse if his side fail to take all three points.
It’s time for Bayern.
While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our Weekend Warm-up Podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.
Game information
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Time: 8:30 pm local time, 2:30 pm EST
TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country
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