Takeaways as Bayern Munich claim victory against Bayer Leverkusen

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Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Leon Goretzka, Bayern Munich. (Photo by MATTHIAS HANGST/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Bayern Munich calming the storm

Leverkusen played the match with their typical high press. At the start of the game, Bayern tried to slowly play out from the back. It didn’t work as Leverkusen were constantly able to win the ball back after Die Roten defenders cleared the ball on numerous occasions. Eventually, the hosts found a way to breach Bayern’s defense.

David Alaba tried to jump ahead and create an offside, but Alario timed his run perfectly and put the ball past Neuer. After this moment, Bayern calmed down and adjusted their strategy by playing a much more direct style of play. This included balls directly into the forwards bypassing their midfielders and leaving Bayern in great attacking areas.

Leverkusen head coach Peter Bosz set them up in a 3-4-3 formation, trying to overload Bayern’s midfield, but when Boateng or Alaba played the ball to Kingsley Coman or Robert Lewandowski, it nullified their pressing and formation. Once Bayern changed tweaked their approach, the game changed, and they were able to rack up the goals.

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Bosz was unable to adjust himself, and by halftime, it was too late. Both Coman’s and Gnabry’s goals were from long balls bypassing several players on the field. It was clear that Leverkusen was outmatched with their tactical setup and Bayern’s speed up front proving too much.

A lot of credit should go to Hansi Flick and the team’s training at the practice facility. It was clear they had trained for such an occasion. Although they conceded an early goal, they quickly bounced back and got a sizable lead. This also shows Bayern’s resolve and mental toughness to go down and then come storming back.