A late penalty cost FC Bayern their win against Bayer Leverkusen and first place in the Bundesliga table

Wild top game against Leverkusen
Last-minute penalty costs FC Bayern their victory and first place

September 15, 2023, 10:28 p.m

The Bundesliga top game between FC Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen delivers what it promises. In a high-class back and forth, the Munich team seemingly made the decisive breakthrough shortly before the end. But then referee Schlager points to the penalty spot in stoppage time.

After a turbulent final phase against the rebellious challenger Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich missed the signal they had hoped for: the German record champions had to be content with a 2-2 (1-1) draw in the varied and hard-fought top game of the Bundesliga against the Werkself and remain behind this same one tied for second place. The Werkself with the outstanding goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky did not present themselves in Vizekusen style in front of 75,000 spectators. But as a team that, led by coach Xabi Alonso, can challenge Bayern for the championship this season.

Superstar Harry Kane took the lead in the 7th minute. It was the fourth goal of the season in the 100 million purchase. Alejandro Grimaldo equalized with a dream free kick in the 24th minute for the Werkself, who had been significantly inferior until then. After Leon Goretzka’s late goal (86′), Bayern looked like the winner, but substitute Exequiel Palacios (90’+4) equalized with a penalty kick. The supposed winning goal by Dayot Upamecano (90th + 7) was rightly not recognized due to an offside position. Thomas Tuchel’s assistant coach Zsolt Löw saw the red card after the final whistle – apparently because of excessively violent words towards the referees.

“In any case, it was a top game, intense and high-class, it was a great evening for the spectators,” said Leverkusen’s Jonas Hofmann, who was fouled before Alphonso Davies’ penalty, on DAZN: “It was a game at eye level. With the 2nd :2 everyone can be satisfied.”

Bayern were able to use vice-captain Joshua Kimmich. Kimmich had to miss the international match against France (2-1) on Tuesday due to muscular problems. “We’ve been weighing things up for a long time, he’ll see how he gets through,” said Tuchel on DAZN immediately before kick-off. However, the ailing Kingsley Coman was unavailable at short notice.

Tuchel sees yellow card for complaining

Bayern started decisively. Konrad Laimer, who played right-back, had the first chance (3rd). After a corner from Leroy Sané and an unfortunate header from Edmond Tapsoba, Kane made it 1-0 with his header. Shortly afterwards, Sane even had the chance to make it 2-0. The record champions had everything under control against the insecure Leverkusen team. That’s how it seemed. But Bayer got into the game better in the middle of the first half. Min-Jae Kim just blocked a shot from Bayer goalscorer Victor Boniface. The equalizer was then controversial: Thomas Müller was said to have fouled Florian Wirtz. Tuchel complained so much about the whistle that he received a yellow card. Grimaldo didn’t care, he circled the ball into the top corner.

Bayern seemed briefly shocked. The massive Boniface could have put the guests in the lead several times during this phase, but the supposed lead by the 22-year-old a little later did not count because of his offside position. But the Munich team also had some extremely dangerous offensive moments before the break in what was now a varied game.

Then it was Hradecky who kept the guests, who were reeling again shortly before half-time, in the game: The 33-year-old made strong saves against Müller (35th), Sané (43rd), Leon Goretzka (44th) and Gnabry (45th). They documented Bayern’s increased chances.

Wirtz only hits the post

After the substitution, it remained an open duel at eye level – with an early excitement from Boniface: The Nigerian saw that Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich was too far in front of the goal, but his shot from the halfway line missed the target by centimeters. Bayern had a hard time finding gaps – until Kane was completely free and failed by Hradecky, who was once again strong (57′).

After just over an hour, Tuchel brought on Jamal Musiala after a week-long break due to a torn hamstring. Müller left, as did the weak Kimmich, who was clearly not at his best. Mathys Tel should also liven up Bayern’s offensive. However, Leverkusen remained steadfast because the hard-working Munich team also lacked ideas. But they were lucky when Wirtz only hit the post (78th).

The people of Munich would have liked a better start to the weeks of truth in their mint green Oktoberfest jerseys. The Champions League mission against Manchester United starts on Wednesday. Leverkusen, on the other hand, is confident in its future tasks, including the Europa League.