Leverkusen is happy about the win against Bayern. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

Big win in the top game: Leverkusen outclasses Bayern

It's the top game in the Bundesliga, and Bayer Leverkusen passes the test with flying colors. After the Werkself's 3-0 win, they are five points ahead of FC Bayern Munich.

10. February 2024

From: dpa/tu

For Bayer Leverkusen, the dream of the first German championship is becoming more real, FC Bayern Munich is threatened with the end of the unprecedented title series: The well-deserved 3-0 (1-0) in the top game of the Bundesliga means that coach Xabi Alonso's team is ahead the record champion has grown to an impressive five points. After 27 wins in 31 competitive games this season, Leverkusen is still unbeaten. Bayern, who have always been champions in the past eleven years, lost a top game between the first and second in the table for the first time in 21 games.

Of all people, Munich-born Bayern loanee Josip Stanisic put Leverkusen in the lead with his first goal of the season in the 18th minute. The other full-back, Alejandro Grimaldo, about whom Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß said during the week that “no one knew him” until the Bayer transfer, increased in the 50th minute. Jeremie Frimpong (90th + 5) brought the final point.

The tension before the game was palpable. “Pants down and cards on the table,” Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel said. Bayer could have sold 180.000 tickets. But then the game started eight minutes late because the fans threw all kinds of balls onto the field in protest against the German Football League's investor plans - and the football world watched.

The fans in the BayArena were loudly behind their team. © APA/afp / SASCHA SCHUERMANN

In a duel between the two teams that not only have the most points in the league, but also the most hits, the least goals conceded and the most ball possession, Bayern initially took command. Nevertheless, Bayer had the first chance when Amine Adli finished too hastily after a ricochet from Upamecano (11th).

After a quarter of an hour, Bayer found their way into the game and promptly took the lead. Initially, Neuer made a strong save against Adli after a save by Minjae Kim, but after the following throw-in and Robert Andrich's cross, Stanisic was free at the far post and took the lead. He fended off congratulations from his colleagues - probably out of respect for his parent club - but at least he sent a thank you and a kiss on the hand to heaven.

Josip Stanisic made it 1-0. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

Bayern were now off their game for a short time. Neuer prevented a quick 23-24 with good saves against Nathan Tella after a direct pass (2') and against Jonathan Tah after a header (0'). Adli missed his best chance when he ran towards the goal alone, but let Upamecano tip the ball off his foot (42'). Bayern only had one viable chance before the break through Leroy Sané (43').

After the change, Thomas Müller came onto the pitch as a substitute in the yellow jersey and spoke to the goal scorer Harry Kane, who had been completely out of the game until seconds before kick-off. But instead of the equalizer, Leverkusen's second goal came quickly when Grimaldo finished with a shot under the crossbar after a nice one-two with Tella.

Thomas Müller also couldn't find an answer. © APA/afp / SASCHA SCHUERMANN

A few minutes later, Tuchel brought in Müller and Kimmich. The Munich team gained more and more of the game, but were hardly able to create any significant chances. On the other side, Frimpong hit the post (88th) before completing a counterattack into the empty Bayern goal shortly before the end. Neuer had previously come into the Bayer penalty area for a corner.

Saturday's results

Union Berlin – Wolfsburg 1-0
Goals: 1-0 Doekhi (45th)

Borussia Mönchengladbach – Darmstadt 0-0

Eintracht Frankfurt – Bochum 1:1
Goals: 1:0 Marmoush (14th), 1:1 Broschinski (17th)

Augsburg – Leipzig 2:2
Goals: 1:0 Tietz (35th), 1:1 Openda (39th), 1:2 Sesko (52nd), 2:2 Demirovic (60th)

Werder Bremen – Heidenheim 1:2
Goals: 0:1 Maloney (12th), 0:2 Best (18th), 1:2 Schmid (19th)

Bayer Leverkusen – Bayern Munich 3-0
Goals: 1:0 Stanisic (18th), 2:0 Grimaldo (50th), 3:0 Frimpong (90+5th)

The table