Leverkusen don’t look capable of retaining Bundesliga crown
Whilst Bayern displayed self-belief despite being reduced to 10 men, Leverkusen looked timid as they conceded possession and tried to play on the counter-attack.
Eventually, as fatigue set in for Bayern, Leverkusen benefitted from a defensive lapse as Nigerian international Nathan Tella got on to the end of a cross between Alphonso Davies and Kim Min-jae to head home the winner past a hapless Daniel Peretz.
The Israeli goalkeeper wasn’t at fault for the goal. There was a noticeable decline in Bayern’s pressing during Leverkusen’s build-up play just prior to the cross that set up the goal. Considering the fact that Bayern were playing with a man less the probability of defensive mistakes would have naturally increased.
Even though Bayer Leverkusen won the game on Tuesday, they looked very timid compared to last season. Considering their slow start to the season and performance on Tuesday at Allianz Arena, it is difficult to see them posing a big threat to Bayern in the Bundesliga title race.