Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich dropped factors for the primary time this season after they have been held to a 1-1 draw in opposition to reigning Bundesliga champions, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.
A really tactical affair with restricted possibilities, right here’s three issues we realized.
Aleksandar Pavlovic is the way forward for Bayern Munich’s midfield
The profession trajectory of Aleksandar Pavlovic has come out of nowhere. The 20-year-old made his Bundesliga debut lower than a 12 months in the past, and the way he’s holding Leon Goretzka and João Palhinha out of Bayern’s beginning eleven. Beginning alongside compatriot Joshua Kimmich, the duo have a wonderful understanding on the pitch, and there’s no doubting that Pavlovic shouldn’t be solely the way forward for Bayern Munich’s midfield, but additionally the German nationwide group.
Pavlovic registered 100 touches in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen, accomplished 82 of his 91 passes and had a 100% sort out win fee (2/2). His ferocious equaliser registered a velocity of 101.78 km/h, and the method to strike the ball on the half-volley from 30 yards was nothing in need of sensational. Bayern Munich have been eager for an academy product to succeed on the highest stage, and there’s little question that Pavlovic will do exactly that.
Bundesliga Topspiel lives as much as its pre-match hype
Though few possibilities at both finish, Bayern Munich versus Bayer Leverkusen actually lived as much as its hype, regardless of the DFL dubbing this recreation ‘Goaltoberfest’. A excessive depth recreation from the off, Dayot Upamecano and Xabi Alonso have been branded yellow playing cards from Felix Zwayer. Jamal Musiala excelled, weaving his manner by means of Bayer’s defence, and each Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry shone within the ultimate third.
Bayern Munich dominated the sport with 69 p.c possession and 18 photographs, however Lukas Hradecky was not often introduced into motion, and neither was Manuel Neuer, other than to disclaim Amine Adli a purpose within the closing levels. A mixed xG of 1.30 between the 2 groups, each defended properly and stored opposition possibilities to a minimal, but it surely actually was an fascinating tactical battle.
Will Xabi Alonso be disenchanted?
That stated, regardless of a degree on the Allianz Area, Xabi Alonso will probably be disenchanted together with his group’s efficiency. Though a powerful defensively show, holding Harry Kane’s affect to a minimal, the Spaniard might be disenchanted with their play within the ultimate third. Though they didn’t see a lot of the ball, Victor Boniface and Florian Wirtz have been unable to affect the sport as Alonso could have preferred.
