Werkself review #FCBB04: Resilience and efficiency secure point

Summary: Diligence and commitment

FC Bayern started the game on the front foot and had the first attempt on the goal minded by Lukas Hradecky through Harry Kane after two minutes. The hosts then succeeded in taking control of the game, pressed forward again and again but the Leverkusen defence stood firm. The Black and Reds proved to be efficient at the other end of the park scoring with their first attempt on goal on 31 minutes: A corner from Alejandro Grimaldo found Granit Xhaka who laid the ball back to Robert Andrich and he coolly slotted his shot into the bottom left corner of the net to make it 1-0. FC Bayern responded quickly and, eight minutes later, Aleksandar Pavlovic hit a long-range effort into the top corner to level the scores. There were few highlights in the second half of a game that proceeded in a similar way: The Werkself were compact, Bayern Munich tried everything with the most promising opportunity falling to Serge Gnabry with two shots against the woodwork (48'). However, the hosts were unable to penetrate Leverkusen defence so the match ended all square. HERE is the match report.

Reaction: "Gave little away at the back"

Xabi Alonso said at the post-match press conference: "I wanted to see more energy from the team. We needed discipline and passion. We were ready to suffer today. I'm happy with that." In addition, the Spaniard shared some self criticism: "We didn't have enough control of the ball. It was a challenge to defend. But the point is important."

Xhaka took a similar view: "We produced a good defensive performance. The target today was to be compact and give little away. We can definitely do more with the ball. But everybody knows what we can do." Goalscorer Andrich said: "It definitely wasn't our best performance on the ball. But that was okay the way the game went and the form Bayern are in. We only gave little away when we eased off. You have to be able to do that here." Andrich added: "Opponents now play differently against us and they want to beat the champions of Germany. We know that and that's how we approach games."

What the papers say: "Solid Bayer defence"

The kicker reported: "Mistakes and long-range goals: Bayern have to live with draw against Leverkusen" and further: "The solid Bayer defence did not allow themselves to be disrupted or give up crucial spaces." The Rheinische Post headline reads: "Bayer 04 work hard for point in Munich" and adds: "FC Bayern missed the chance to extend the lead over the reigning champions of Germany Bayer 04 Leverkusen." Bild-Zeitung sums up the match as follows: "Bayern invested a lot but were unable to win for the first time this season in spite of good chances. The Werkself will be happy with the result given the course of the game."

Personnel: Landmark for Frimpong

Jeremie Frimpong started again and played the full 90 minutes. The Dutchman thereby completed game 150 for the Black and Reds. Congratulations!

Stats: Unbeaten away

Bayer 04 had three shots on goal, FCB had 18. The Werkself had 31% possession. Pass completion was 74% and 90% for Bayern Munich.

Nevertheless: Since Leverkusen lost 3-0 away to VfL Bochum in May 2023 they have not lost any of the last 20 Bundesliga away games – only FC Bayern have a longer run in the history of the league (33 games from 2012 to 2014).

Outlook: First home game in Champions League

The Werkself now face a busy period with the Champions League coming to the BayArena for the first time this season: Bayer 04 entertain AC Milan in two days time on Tuesday, 1 October (kick-off: 21.00 CEST). That is followed by another home game at the weekend: Newly promoted Holstein Kiel are the visitors to Leverkusen on Bundesliga matchday six. The kick-off on Saturday, 5 October, is at 15.30 CEST.