Leaders Bayern keep Leverkusen at bay | OneFootball

Bayern Munich keep Bayer Leverkusen at bay to maintain lead at the top

Bayer Leverkusen heavily dominated possession and chances in a battle between the Bundesliga's top two teams, but it was Vincent Kompany's visitors who were left feeling buoyed by a point that keeps the leaders eight points clear at the head of the standings.

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Bayern Munich

In what was a highly anticipated encounter between the pacesetters, Leverkusen and Bayern were each aware that this had the potential to be something akin to a title decider. In the end, Xabi Alonso's hosts dominated proceedings but ultimately failed to break down a Bayern defence that rode its luck at times.

With the record champions leading the table by eight points before kick-off, the pressure was on Leverkusen to close the gap, which added an extra layer of tension to an already ramped up atmosphere.

Jeremie Frimpong (c.r.) headed against the crossbar in the first half. (IMAGO/Julian Meusel / SVEN SIMON)

The first half was a testament to Leverkusen's attacking prowess, with the home side creating numerous chances. The woodwork denied Leverkusen twice in quick succession, first through Jeremie Frimpong in the 21st minute and then Nathan Tella shortly afterwards. Bayern, in an uncharacteristically defensive approach, failed to register a single shot on target throughout the entire match. Furthermore, Manuel Neuer was called into action several times, making crucial saves to keep his side in the game.

The second half saw Bayern attempt to change the tide with a series of substitutions in the 68th minute. Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka, Josip Stanišić, and Leroy Sané were all brought on in quick succession. However, Leverkusen continued to dominate possession and create chances. Despite their efforts, though, the hosts couldn't find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a stalemate that will feel more like two points dropped for Alonso's men, particularly after Florian Wirtz spurned a chance to win the contest at the end.

Player of the Match: Florian Wirtz

Wirtz was the standout performer in a match full of quality. The young German international was at the heart of Leverkusen's attacking play, consistently troubling the Bayern defence with his vision, dribbling, and passing. He created several chances for his teammates and came close to scoring himself. His ability to find space and dictate the tempo of the game was crucial in Leverkusen's dominant performance, even if it didn't result in a victory. Wirtz's influence was further highlighted by the fact that he was the most pressed player on the pitch, facing pressure 35 times during the match.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Leverkusen 2.23 - Bayern 0.14Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (B04), 33.9 km/hMost pressed player: Florian Wirtz (B04), 35 times under pressurePass efficiency: Exequiel Palacios (B04), +4.8

Fantasy Heroes: Florian Wirtz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 329 Points), Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 264 Points), Piero Hincapié (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 240 Points)

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