First title ever much closer for Leverkusen after a great win over Bayern

Bayer Leverkusen is on course for its first ever Bundesliga title. The leader won convincingly on Saturday against number two Bayern Munich (3-0), which is now five points behind that Workself. Bayern won the national title eleven times in a row, but a twelfth championship seems further away than ever after the defeat in the Bundesliga top match.

At Bayern, Thomas Tuchel opted for a three-man defense consisting of Dayot Upamecano, Eric Dier and Kim Min-jae. Matthijs de Ligt had to take a seat on the bench. Noussair Mazraoui was given a starting position on the right of the four-man midfield, with the recently signed Sacha Boey on the left. At Leverkusen, Jeremie Frimpong started on the bench.

The kick-off in the packed BayArena was somewhat delayed. Dissatisfied Leverkusen supporters threw candy on the field as a protest against a new investor deal in the Bundesliga. About ten minutes later than planned, the Bundesliga top match in Leverkusen finally started.

Leverkusen showed courage in the initial phase and was rewarded for it in the seventeenth minute. A low cross from Robert Andrich missed the entire Bayern defense, allowing the alert Josip Stanisic to shoot in at the far post: 1-0. The right leg refused to cheer exuberantly, as he is being loaned out to Leverkusen by Bayern this season.

It was Manuel Neuer who then kept Bayern going with great saves from efforts by Nathan Tella and Jonathan Tah. The visitors found it increasingly difficult as the first half progressed and Harry Kane had to collapse more and more often to get the ball. The English top scorer hardly featured in the play in Leverkusen before halftime.

Bayern had a rare chance through Mazraoui, but his shot from outside the box was prey for Lukas Hradecky. Leverkusen reached the half-time signal with a good feeling, while Bayern one break could use. In any case, Tuchel had plenty to correct at halftime.

Tuchel's words did not appear to motivate Bayern. Leverkusen flew out of the starting blocks and quickly doubled their lead. Álex Grimaldo combined with Tella, who left the left back alone in front of Neuer with a nice through ball. Grimaldo then fired an impeccable shot into the roof of the goal, to the delight of everyone at Leverkusen.

The excellent Tella was relieved by Frimpong halfway through the second half. Thomas Müller and Joshua Kimmich had recently come on for Bayern in an attempt to end the match with a good result. However, goal attempts by Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala did not result in the tying goal.

Bayern tried in the final phase, but could not really make it difficult for Leverkusen. In the meantime, the fans of the home club were celebrating in the stands and strong substitute Frimpong set the final score at 3-0 well into injury time. The right winger gained possession after a deflected corner from Bayern and was able to turn the ball into the empty goal from the right, as Neuer had come forward with the late corner.

The very first national title in club history is a very realistic thought after the impressive victory over Bayern. Leverkusen has already won the championship in the 2. Bundesliga, but never at the highest level. The leader is also undefeated this season in 31 matches in all competitions.














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