Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen finally took aim at each other and the match did not wholly live up to the hype.
While it was an entertaining tilt, neither team was able to break through for many quality chances. In fact, Bayer Leverkusen sat so deep that it rarely could generate any offense at all in the 1-1 draw. Let’s get to it — here are some quick hitters on the match:
- As always, let’s take a look at the starting XI:
- This was one of the few times that I nailed the lineup prediction exactly in the Preview Show. This was truly as expected. Vincent Kompany has identified his best XI with this current roster group (factoring in the injuries) and is riding with it.
- Just two minutes into the match, Bayern Munich created its first good chance when Raphaël Guerreiro slid a short ball into Harry Kane, but it was just out of the Englishman’s reach.
- Neither team fully asserted itself early, but both had moments where they looked strong.
- If those Oktoberfest kits did not have a collar, they would go from good to great.
- It was very clear that neither squad was going to make it easy to generate good scoring chances.
- Bayer Leverkusen’s three attackers were all very high while Bayern Munich was in its build-up, but playing more of a style to contain Bayern Munich rather than take the chance with an aggressive press. From there, Bayer Leverkusen sunk back in deep to clog passing lanes and limit shots. It was more conservative than one might expect from Bayer Leverkusen.
- Bayer Leverkusen was sloppy at times and often looked like it was scrambling. You have to wonder if playing such a defensively style neutered the team’s attacking mindset.
- Eventually Bayer Leverkusen shifted into a more aggressive style after Bayern Munich dominated the first 25 minutes.
- If Bayer Leverkusen was effective at anything early on, it was keeping Harry Kane isolated and out of the action.
- Bayern Munich’s press was giving the Bayer Leverkusen backline and midfield complete fits at times.
- After a somewhat careless play from Aleksandar Pavlović resulted in a Bayer Leverkusen corner, the reigning champs were ready to seize the moment. Alejandro Grimaldo’s out-swinging corner found Granit Xhaka, who deftly played it over to Robert Andrich. Andrich’s long-range, groundball shot found its mark in the far corner for a 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen lead.
- Pavlović’s poor play to provide the chance might have been an effort to avoid making a real blunder. The young midfielder was attempting to play it back to Manuel Neuer, but likely saw a streaking Florian Wirtz heading right at Neuer and, instead, play it out of bounds to give Die Werkself the corner.
- That would not be the last we would hear from Pavlović, though. He made up for it in massive way with a goal. After playing down an attempted clearance with his chest outside the top of the box, Pavlović unleashed a half-volley of fury that had a wicked bend on it. It was a wonder goal of epic proportions.
- Pavlović showed great resilience after creating the opportunity for Leverkusen. Exactly the response you want to see.
- In the 48th minute, Kane sent a beautiful cross-field pass to Gnabry, who hit the post, which rebounded to Gnabry, who then hit the crossbar. It was almost unfathomable that neither shot made it in. If you believe in the soccer gods, that was a bad omen.
- Victor Boniface was very inactive and lethargic for Bayer Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso needed to get him out of the game.
- Michael Olise had a golden opportunity from close-range in the 57th minute, but Lukas Hradecky cut off the angle on his volley attempt.
- Bayer Leverkusen got nothing from Martin Terrier or his replacement Amine Adli.
- Kimmich and Pavlović were terrific in the central midfield. Musiala was strong as well, but Bayer Leverkusen had a plan to knock him around, which took its toll.
- Interestingly, Bayern Munich’s first in was Kingsley Coman for Serge Gnabry in the 65th. The usage of Coman continues to be something to watch — along with the lack of playing time for Leroy Sané.
- Bayer Leverkusen’s commitment to sitting deep and hoping for counters would hold strong, even if it meant far less scoring opportunities.
- In the 84th minute, Konrad Laimer clearly fouled Wirtz, just outside the box, but there was no call. Bayern Munich got extremely lucky there.
- Overall, it was a quality match and an interesting battle of wits between Kompany and Alonso, but neither team really established anything more than we already knew about them. Bayer Leverkusen’s reluctance to engage — while strategic — was a disappointment. Even as disappointing as that might have been, it was probably a necessary style of play for Die Werkself to walk out of Munich with a point. As for Bayern Munich, there were a lot of positives, but still some questions. In short, if you were looking for answers from this match, you probably just ended up with more questions.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast give them a look or a listen:
Like everyone else, FC Barcelona wants Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala, but is worried it cannot throw financial haymakers with Real Madrid and Manchester City (I suppose Bayern Munich as well):
Barcelona would like to acquire Jamal Musiala from Bayern Munich, but are seriously concerned they will not be able to financially compete with Real Madrid or Man City.
Given the history between Hansi Flick and Musiala, this would make a lot of sense, but FC Barcelona is going to have a tough time rallying enough funds (pulling how many more levers?) to really compete with Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid for Musiala.
Right now, Bayern Munich has the inside track and has to be in the lead, but Manchester City and Real Madrid will likely — at least — give their pitch to Musiala’s representation at some point.
Man…Neymar is just doing Neymar things at this point:
Neymar has provoked anger at Al-Hilal as he continues to recuperate from a serious injury. The 32-year-old is the Saudi Pro League’s most expensive ever signing having arrived for €90 million from PSG last summer.
Neymar managed only five matches with his new club, however, before being struck down by a serious knee injury while playing with Brazil last October. Although that issue was expected to see him ruled out for a prolonged period, it had been hoped that he would be back in action by this time.
Worse, he is unlikely to be back on the field before the end of the year, with no one expecting his return any time soon after Al-Hilal did not register him for Pro League action.
Marca reports that patience is growing short with Neymar among the Saudi Pro League’s management. “The club is already a bit fed up with the Brazilian,” the Spanish paper cites an unnamed source as telling them. In particular, the Saudi club, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are growing frustrated.
“The anger of the club and the Saudi Pro League is great,” Marca continues. “Al-Hilal understand that his return should have already come and that some of his behaviour off the field has not very professional. They speak of some of Neymar’s social media posts that would point to his negligence.”
Neymar, who was notoriously injury-prone during his PSG stint, has not come cheap for Al-Hilal. On top of his signing fee of €90m, the Brazilian also earns a reported €100m per year in salary.
He has a two-year deal with the Saudi Pro League side, which expires next summer. It is entirely possible, then, that Al-Hilal will only get six months of play from Neymar for an investment close to €300m.
Really, who could have seen this coming?
Is Manchester United ever not in a state of flux? Erik ten Hag’s hold on his gig might be loosening:
Manchester United officials still have doubts about Erik ten Hag as their manager and have taken a keen interest in Eddie Howe’s uncertain situation at Newcastle United.
Bayern Munich has a massive game ahead with Bayer Leverkusen, but there is so much going on with this squad that we have plenty to discuss.
What better place to do that than with Bavarian Podcast Works. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
- More on the build-up to Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen.
- What happens if Bayern Munich’s backline gets smoked against Bayer Leverkusen? What does it mean if it holds strong?
- Assessing the odd-men out on the Bayern Munich roster: Leon Goretzka, Konrad Laimer, Mathys Tel, and Eric Dier.
- Assessing Jamal Musiala’s rumored contract demands.
- Where things stand with Bayern Munich’s interest in Florian Wirtz.
- Quickly catching up on where we are with the Game of Thrones re-watch.
For years (literally) now, there have been rumors that Frenkie de Jong has wanted to leave FC Barcelona. Now, it appears that his salary deferments are being taken care of, which would have him at ease with transferring away from Catalonia:
Barcelona are willing to pay Frenkie de Jong his deferred wages—amounting to €18 million—on the condition that he agrees to leave the club in the summer, FootballTransfers has been told.
The move is seen as part of the club’s larger financial strategy, potentially opening the door for them to pursue marquee signings such as Erling Haaland or Viktor Gyokeres. For the first time, De Jong, who has always maintained that Barcelona is his dream club and has shown no desire to leave, might be open to a departure if the wage issue is settled. The Dutch midfielder, now 27, deferred a significant portion of his salary during the pandemic to help the club manage its financial struggles.
However, with his contract running until 2026 and his status as the highest-paid player at the club, on €1.1 million a week including bonuses, Barcelona are seeking to ease their financial burden by moving him on. Sources close to the player suggest that several factors are driving De Jong to reconsider his future at Barcelona.
A key reason is the emerging talent at the club, with several young midfielders being groomed to potentially take over his role. Players like Fermin Lopez (21), Marc Casado (21), Pedri (21), Guille Fernandez (16), Gavi (20), and Pablo Torre (21) have all demonstrated immense potential, creating a crowded competition for a starting position. Additionally, more experienced options like Dani Olmo (26) and up-and-coming Marc Bernal (17) are also viewed as long-term replacements.
De Jong has faced injury setbacks in recent seasons, which may also mean he will find it difficult to cement his place in the starting lineup.
Barcelona’s willingness to offload De Jong is largely driven by their ongoing financial issues, which have been well-documented. The Catalan giants have had to manage mounting debts and wage deferrals since the pandemic, and while de Jong’s presence has been valuable on the pitch, the opportunity to free up his significant wages is likely too tempting for the club to ignore.
Liverpool FC has a situation brewing with regard to Mo Salah’s future. If Salah moves, the English could look toward Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to replace him:
If Mohamed Salah leaves next summer, Liverpool will try to replace him with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.
Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Salah in recent months as well.
