Position
Joshua Kimmich talked about a "very crucial, special week" looking at the two matches against Celtic and Bayer 04. The first challenge has been dealt with: The record champions secured a deserved 2-1 win in Scotland on Wednesday night in the play-off round in the Champions League putting them in a good position for the return match on Tuesday in Munich. The focus at Celtic Park was on defence, Kimmich said after the game. "We know it's important – above all in the Champions League – to avoid making mistakes," said the Germany international. "We've learned the hard way in the last away games. I think we’ve taken a step forward and have learned a lesson." Michael Olise scored an impressive opener for the dominant visitors just before half-time and Harry Kane doubled the lead at 2-0 in the second half after a corner (50'). There were nervous minutes in the closing stages for Bayern when Celtic pulled a goal back.
Saturday brings the top match in the Bundesliga against last season's double winners and the team currently in second place. The record champions have not beaten the Werkself in the last five meetings. Bayer 04 have won three times and the other two games were draws. Bayern lost 1-0 against the Black and Reds in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 at the start of December 2024. It is no surprise that Joshua Kimmich has great respect for the next opponents. "To be honest, we had a lot of problems in the last matches against Leverkusen." FCB appeared to be in control of proceedings in the last two games. "But we didn't find a way through to score goals. We have to do much better," declared Kimmich ahead of the third fixture against the Werkself this season. "I think it will be a cool game. It would definitely attract me as a fan."
FC Bayern clocked up the seventh win in succession in the league last weekend with a 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen. With the Werkself sharing the points in the 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg, the gap between FCB and Bayer 04 is now eight points going into the head-to-head clash. With a total of 54 points, Bayern are having their best season in nine years and have only previously picked up more points after 21 games twice before – in 2015/16 (56) and 2013/14 (59).
Personnel
FC Bayern coach Vincent Kompany almost has his full squad available in Leverkusen. Only reserve keeper Daniel Peretz, defender Alphonso Davies (muscular injury) and midfielder Joao Palhinha (flu) are sidelined. Several of the long-term injured players have returned over the past few weeks. Central defender Hiroki Ito, a summer signing from VfB Stuttgart, was back in the squad for the match in Glasgow following his metatarsal injury. Josip Stanisic, on loan at Bayer 04 last season, missed the whole of the Hinrunde due to a knee injury but he made his comeback for Bayern at the end of January. As the Frenchman Sacha Boey is fit again following an ankle injury, Kompany has a wide range of choices for the full-back positions. Konrad Laimer (right) and Raphael Guerreiro (left) filled the roles in Glasgow.
In addition to captain Manuel Neuer, the two central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Min-Jae Kim are regular starters at the back, Eric Dier, who replaced Kim and had a good game at Celtic Park, is also an option for Saturday. In central midfield a lot is to be said for the duo of Joshua Kimmich "the only Bayern player to start all 33 games this season, and Aleksandar Pavlovic. The 20-year-old levelled for Bayern in the 1-1 draw with the Werkself in the Hinrunde. Leon Goretzka would be an alternative in holding midfield. Kompany is spoilt for choice up front: Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, Leroy Sané and Harry Kane were in the line-up in Glasgow. But Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Thomas Müller could also start.
Problems
Bayern have been caught out several times this season with fast counter-attacks by opponents. Particularly in the Champions League – and above all away from home – FCB have conceded a number of goals after losing possession. Bayern Munich let in four goals at Barcelona and three at Feyenoord. The reasons were mainly misunderstandings, too much space in midfield and lack of pace against fast opposition strikers. Bayern have conceded 13 goals in nine games in the Champions League. The defence of the record champions has also not always been solid in the Bundesliga and again open to counter-attacks. Recently in the home game against Holstein Kiel, the Kompany team got into trouble despite a 4-0 lead with the newly promoted team scoring three goals in the last 30 minutes.
Performers
The stats speak for themselves: FC Bayern are not only top of the table but have also scored the most goals in the league (65) and have had the most shots on goal (420). And FCB also have top numbers in the following areas: big chances (108), shooting accuracy (57%), headed goals (nine), different goalscorers (15), goals from set pieces (18), passes (15,893), pass completion (91%), challenges won (54%), goals conceded (19), shots conceded (113), possession (71.6% on average).
In spite of problems in defence it is worth remembering: Bayern have already kept ten clean sheets in the league with only RB Leipzig able to manage the same. The FCB attack is in a class of their own. Harry Kane is the top scorer this term with 21 goals including nine from the penalty spot. The England international has scored 14 penalties for Bayern so far – and he has never missed to date.
