Leverkusen’s Frustrating Draw: Dominating Bayern but Failing to Convert
Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký found himself in a dilemma as the game against Bayern Munich entered stoppage time. Leverkusen had earned a corner, and Hrádecký was unsure whether to join his teammates in the opposition’s penalty area in a desperate attempt to salvage a goal.
Normally, such a move would be seen in teams trailing in the match. However, Leverkusen was surprisingly holding Bayern to a 0-0 draw. The game was a peculiar one, with Leverkusen completely dominating the proceedings.
Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, instructed Hrádecký to stay put, and the match ended in a stalemate. But Hrádecký’s hesitation was understandable. For Bayer, the draw felt like a defeat. They had outplayed their opponents, creating an astonishing 16 shots on goal compared to Bayern’s meager two.
In a typical Bayern match, the Bavarians would possess the ball, dictate the chances, and ultimately score the goals. But on this day, Leverkusen turned the tables. Bayern’s attempts were limited to a blocked shot and a harmless header. Nothing came directly at Hrádecký’s goal; a bag of aspirin could have sufficed as a replacement for the goalkeeper.
Bayern, the league leaders, never truly entered the game. They failed to create a single clear-cut scoring opportunity and appeared to be disengaged throughout the match. Yet, despite their poor performance, they managed to secure a crucial point.
The point was essential for Bayern as it maintained their distance from their pursuer. A defeat would have narrowed the gap to just five points, but now it remains at eight, with Bayern also boasting a superior goal difference. Even if Leverkusen were to win all their remaining 12 matches, Bayern would need to lose three to be dethroned, which seems unlikely given their previous record of only one defeat so far.
Leverkusen’s players were torn between disappointment and pride. "On the one hand, it’s annoying; on the other hand, we’re proud," said defender Jonathan Tah. Both emotions had their justifications. Leverkusen’s frustration stemmed from their inability to capitalize on their numerous scoring opportunities. In the first half, both Nathan Tella and Jeremie Frimpong had hit the crossbar.
The biggest chance came in stoppage time, a double opportunity. Alejandro Grimaldo crossed from the left, and substitute Amine Adli met the ball in the air but only managed to hit Manuel Neuer. In the ensuing scramble, Florian Wirtz got a touch on the ball but agonizingly fired inches wide. The look of despair on his face reflected the sentiment of most Leverkusen players and fans: How could they not score?
Despite the missed chances, Leverkusen played a magnificent game. Unlike previous encounters, where they adopted a cautious approach, Leverkusen suffocated Bayern’s play deep in their own half. Bayern’s structured build-up was disrupted by Leverkusen’s relentless pressing and counter-pressing, combined with Bayern’s own uncharacteristic mistakes.
With their eyes shut, one might have mistaken Bayern for a struggling team rather than the league leaders. Their performance was reminiscent of Bochum’s recent struggles, and the question hung in the air: Bochum, is that you?
Leverkusen may have been denied a victory, but they have gained confidence from their performance and a newfound belief that they can compete with the very best. Bayern, on the other hand, should be concerned about their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. The dropped points could prove costly in the title race, and they will need to rediscover their attacking prowess to maintain their dominance at the top of the Bundesliga.
