The Bundesliga is approaching the halfway line and tonight (Saturday) in the 13th round another of the games of the season was held. As usual, the Bundesliga provided another tremendous drama and German football knows: 90 minutes are played and in the end Bayern Munich wins. Despite not a big day, the European champion took advantage of one mistake in the host’s defense, achieved the precious 1: 2 from Pez and climbed to first place with excellent timing – before the winter break. It was Leverkusen’s debut loss of the season.
Watch Patrick Schick’s huge gate
Leverkusen honored Manuel Neuer and Robert Lewandowski, who won personal awards this week – FIFA Goalkeeper and Player of the Year and presented them with bouquets, but on the lawn, of course – they did not intend to hand out presents. A short corner that caught Bayern’s wrong defense and Patrick Schick sent a huge kick from the air and stunned Manuel Neuer.
In the 28th minute the host thought she had doubled the advantage but this time a chic goal was disqualified due to a difference after a VAR check. Four minutes later trouble landed on Bayern: Hanzi Flick had to make an early substitution when Kingsley Coman was injured and instead came on to play for Yeruhi Sana. On the other hand, two minutes before the end of the break, Bayern managed to equalize. Thomas Muller picked up from the right, Lucas Herdecki came out bad and Lewandowski said thank you and slammed into the exposed goal, 1-1.
Bayern did not play well and in the 68th minute Hanzi made a double substitution. Sana who himself got off the bench – was replaced, and Joshua Kimich was included after a month and a half. Hardecki corrected himself when in the 70th minute he came out wonderfully in front of Lewandowski and overtook him.
Both groups sought a decision. While Boss raised the Demirbay cream to bolster the link in place of star Leon Billy last week, Leverkusen continued to try to exert high pressure. Ten minutes to the end Jamal Musiala emerged from behind and sent a sharp kick but unfortunately the ball hit the crossbar. In added time Musa Diabi made a great dribble on the wing but picked up too hard and substitute Lucas Alario could not get to the ball.
In extra time, like a true champion, Bayern scored the winning goal. Jonathan Te made a terrible mistake when he lost a ball irresponsibly, Kimich deflected a little to Lewandowski who finished as only he knows with his 17th goal in the league and 20th in all competitions. Bayern are back to where they are so used to. The European champions will now rest and on January 3 will open the new year with a home game against Mainz. Boss’ team, which was halted after five consecutive wins, will host Eintracht Frankfurt the day before.