Leverkusen has crept to third place in the Bundesliga standings. The words "crept in" are strange considering that Leverkusen should be in the top four or higher in the first place. Their form of "gegenpressing" through the middle and attacking play has impressed critics and fans alike, including Pep Guardiola. However, inconsistency has caused problems for Roger Schmidt's side. They have not always earned the points they deserve solely on their attacking play. The defense is not strong enough yet to be world class.
However, Leverkusen's midfield and attack are, as usual, stocked. Hakan Calhanoglu, Karim Bellarabi, Heung-Min Son and the ageless Stefan Kiessling form a dangerous attack. Leverkusen creates a plethora of chances in each match as a result. However, sometimes. these talented players completely lose their focus in front of goal. The best examples of this are the two matches they played against AS Monaco in the Champions League this season. They outplayed the French opposition but lost both matches by a single goal.
Most recent encounters between Bayern and Leverkusen have been close ones. In fact, Bayern's previous match against Hertha resulted in a score much closer than many would have expected. They won 0-1 in the German capital, which is set to host the UEFA Champions League final in 2015, thanks to an Arjen Robben wonderstrike. Bayern received some positive news on the injury front today. David Alaba is doing well in rehab while Thiago has started walking again.
Bayern is ten points ahead of Leverkusen currently. Aside from a blip with ten men against Manchester City, they have done very well in their matches in all competitions. Considering the level at which they have been playing and Leverkusen's eye-catching attacking play, this match should be one for the neutral. The Allianz Arena crowd is set to be entertained!
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Bayern vs Leverkusen team sheets
Bayern's First XI: Neuer (C) - Alonso, Benatia, Ribéry, Lewandowski, Robben, Rafinha, Boateng, Bernat, Götze, Müller
Leverkusen's First XI: Leno - Jedvaj, Toprak, Spahic, Wendell - Bender, Castro - Bellarabi, Son - Calhanoglu, Kießling.
Bayern's Subs: Zingerle - Dante, Shaqiri, Gaudino, Rode, Schweinsteiger, Hojbjerg.
Leverkusen's Subs: Kresic, Rolfes, Drmic, Hilbert, Boenisch, Brandt, Kruse.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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