Leverkusen take big step towards Bundesliga title

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen took a big step towards the Bundesliga title after defeating champions Bayern Munich.

After a delayed start due to fan protests, the home side took control of the game and were the better of the two sides for the vast majority of the 90 minutes.

Manuel Neuer was needed to make a good save from Amine Adli in the 18th minute after a clever Leverkusen attack. Bayern managed to clear but they couldn't keep Leverkusen out for much longer.

From the resulting corner, the Bayern defence was totally asleep allowing Robert Andrich to drill a low ball where Josip Stanisic – on loan from the Bavarian side – was able to score and deliver the usual muted celebration.

It could have been two just five minutes later had Nathan Tella not fired an effort straight at Neuer when he was found with space on the right.

Die Schwarzroten eventually got the second goal they deserved five minutes into the second half. This one was a fantastic one-two between Álex Grimaldo and Tella that resulted in the flying full-back rifling an effort home from an acute angle.

Leverkusen defended well throughout the game meaning that we saw little from the likes of Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane throughout much of the game.

With the game heading towards its final seconds, the visitors had a corner with goalkeeper Neuer going forward to join the attack. It was Neuer who lost an aerial duel for the ball that resulted in Leverkusen's third of the game.

The home side quickly got the ball forward where substitute Jeremie Frimpong was charging towards an empty goal. At first, it looked like his touch to avoid an advancing defender took the ball too wide but even then the Dutch international was able to get off his effort and score to cue massive celebrations from Alonso's side.

Bayern meanwhile look deflated with Thomas Tuchel's team now five points behind the undefeated league leaders.

xG: Bayer Leverkusen (1.54) 3-0 (0.61) Bayern Munich

WHAT A WIN!!!!!!!!

⚫️🔴 BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN ⚫️🔴

90+5' | 3-0 | #B04FCB #Bayer04 pic.twitter.com/fxM4EQkX4X

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) February 10, 2024