Bayern Munich continues to dominate, effortlessly clinching a first-leg victory against a 10-man Leverkusen team. Spearheading this triumph was none other than Harry Kane, who netted the ball twice to amplify Bayern’s position in the game. This victory further solidifies Bayern’s chances of not only securing the Bundesliga title but also of advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Something pivotal shifted in this match, and it wasn’t just Xabi Alonso’s longstanding undefeated streak against Bayern Munich that was broken. Vincent Kompany’s Bayern squad didn’t just outplay Leverkusen; they decimated them, leaving little doubt that they might be in the market for Leverkusen’s top player, Florian Wirtz, come summer.
Bayern’s Director of Sport, Max Eberl, drew attention this week with a bold comparison. He likened Alonso and Vincent Kompany to the iconic coaching duo of Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, who significantly shaped modern football over the past decade. This comparison might have seemed premature to many, but given the recent performance, it feels less far-fetched now.
The Bayern team showcased an excellent performance, thwarting Leverkusen effectively. Their dominance was further amplified when Matej Kovar fumbled a straightforward cross, allowing Jamal Musiala to score an effortless second goal. Shortly after, a second yellow card dismissed Nordi Mukiele, further weakening Leverkusen’s stance.
Harry Kane’s performance was a standout, with him scoring the first goal and the final one. Despite sustaining an injury in the second half, Manuel Neuer’s absence didn’t impede the team’s procession. The crowd at the Allianz gave a roaring welcome to their victorious champions, marking this as a pivotal point in Germany’s greatest football rivalry.
This match also shed light on Bayern’s strategic interest in Wirtz, intensifying the game’s psychological warfare. However, Leverkusen was found wanting in the face of such tactics.
Leverkusen’s Adli, limited to only five starts this season due to injury, seemed ill-equipped for a game of this magnitude. Leverkusen’s strategy of organised chaos, with long balls from the keeper and attempts to capitalize on loose balls in midfield, appeared to thwart Wirtz’s threat. Marked by Joshua Kimmich, Wirtz struggled to find his rhythm throughout the game.
With Kane dropping deep into his preferred zone, Bayern skillfully controlled the center. A quick and tight game saw Bayern taking full advantage of their speed on counterattacks. The opening goal came from a broken situation, with Kane winning the ball in the center, passing it to Michael Olise and sidestepping Mukiele to meet the cross. Kane’s 11-yard header was a sight to behold, echoing Stephen Hendry’s emphatic strike in a game of snooker.