Bayern Munich put out a statement win over newfound rivals Bayer Leverkusen, putting Xabi Alonso’s men to the sword. Two goals from Harry Kane and one from Jamal Musiala means the Rekordmeister carry a huge lead to the second leg. What are the talking points from this top-class performance?
Xabi Alonso’s stubbornness cost him
Xabi Alonso came into this match with the same tactic he had for his previous encounters with Vincent Kompany’s Bayern: six defenders, wingbacks, and no strikers. The goal is to wear Bayern out, apply pressure, and move quickly. Kompany has it all figured out and knows exactly who to play and what to instruct the players. Alonso also ran the risk of not subbing out Nordi Mukiele, who was playing badly and on a yellow, who then bowed out of the match with his second yellow card.
Joshua Kimmich’s heart might still be at Bayern after all
After the kerfuffle with his contract, Joshua Kimmich might not be set on leaving the club just yet. He was pulling the strings in midfield as the Bavarians steamrolled over Leverkusen and he also made the inch-perfect cross into the box which Leverkusen goalkeeper Matěj Kovář fumbled to let Jamal Musiala poke it home.
Jonas Urbig makes his Bayern bow, at the expense of Manuel Neuer
In the aftermath of Musiala’s goal, Manuel Neuer had to be subbed out due to a minor injury. In his place came on Jonas Urbig, who made his long-awaited Bayern debut. Whether Neuer really is injured, or this sub falls under their agreement to share minutes remains to be seen, but it was a huge moment for the 21-year-old.
Bayern owns Leverkusen, and that’s how it should be
The body language of the Leverkusen players showed defeat, frustration, and surrender. That’s what they hoped to do to Bayern, but the opposite happened. Kompany’s men controlled the game from start to finish. In Bayern’s case, the hunger and intensity that was erratic in games past has been replaced by intent and motivation. This is a good match to build upon especially if the teams is eyeing a deep run in the Champions League and wrapping up the Bundesliga.
