Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Prediction & Tips
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso described midweek cup opponents Stuttgart as the “best opponent” they have faced at the BayArena this season, but that could be about to change when “Die Werkself” host Bayern Munich in a potentially title-deciding clash. Leverkusen may not be at their best after needing a 90th minute goal to get through the DFB-Pokal tie and advance to the semifinals, although they kept alive hopes of an improbable treble of trophies.
They also extended their astonishing unbeaten record this season to 30 games (G26, E4), just two behind the all-time record in German soccer, which, unsurprisingly, is held by Bayern. But here Alonso’s side could come out of their shadows in more ways than one, as victory in this titanic clash would leave Leverkusen five points clear at the top and increase the pressure on the reigning champions.
Thomas Tuchel’s men will undoubtedly have their eyes on the title, as a Bayern win would allow the “Rekordmeister” to overtake Leverkusen and regain control of the Bundesliga for the first time since matchday five. Bayern’s impressive 16 wins in 20 league games so far have proved insufficient and, as such, it is the remarkable standard set by these two giants, given that this is the first time in Bundesliga history that two teams have combined for at least 50 points at this stage of a season.
One of the four times Bayern dropped points this season was in their previous clash against Leverkusen, when they conceded a 94th-minute penalty in a 2-2 draw. That left them with just one win in their last four meetings between them (E2, P1), but prior to their defeat here last season, Bayern had won on three consecutive league visits to the BayArena, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Players to watch: A duel between arguably the two most exciting talents in German soccer pits creative Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Wirtz has contributed directly to 23 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season (eight goals, 15 assists), while Musiala was involved in three goals the last time Bayern defeated Leverkusen at home early last season (one goal, two assists).
Key statistic: Bayern have scored before halftime in each of the last 13 meetings between the sides in the Bundesliga.
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