Tonight, the Allianz Arena gets ready to host what looks to be a Bundesliga title decider as Bayern Munich take on RB Leipzig. Ashley Adamson-Edwards takes you through the action as it happened.
With suspense building between Hans-Dieter Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, matchday 10 of the 20/21 Bundesliga campaign could be the start of a new found rivalry.
Team News
Bayern Munich
Embed from Getty ImagesAs per usual, the home side sit top of the league on 22 points and have registered the most amount goals out of any other side with 31. Star man Robert Lewandowski (or Robert Lewangoalski as teammate Thomas Muller likes to call him) also tops the charts with an astonishing 12 goals in 9 Bundesliga games.
Starting Line-Up
After resting the trio of Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka and Robert Lewandowski for the Champions League this week, it appears that Flick planned for the three to play at their full-potential today. In such a pivotal match of the campaign, it looks as though they will provide The Reds with a world-class spine once more.
To protect the World Cup winning keeper (not that he needs much of that), Bayern line up with Jerome Boateng and Niklas Sule in the centre-back positions. David Alaba then starts in left-back as he takes up his old position before making a transition into centre-back last season. Whereas, Benjamin Pavard will try and nullify Christopher Nkunku in right-back.
Alongside the already mentioned Goretzka is 32-rear-old Javi Martinez who will most likely take a step back from Bayern’s attack whilst the former is let off the leash.
Meanwhile, one of the most dangerous attacks in the world will support Lewandowski today as Kinsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane all make a start.
Bayern Munich face the visitors with only five world cup winners in their starting eleven.
RB Leipzig
Embed from Getty ImagesHowever, Leipzig sit only two points behind the record Bundesliga winners in second place as they try to claw away their first ever league title. Had The Red Bulls not dropped points against Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach, they would currently be racing ahead in first position. Such an exciting side that have shot to the top of German football in just 11 years of existence.
Starting Line-Up
Although the Hungarian conceded a hattrick to Irfan Kahveci on Wednesday, Naggelsmann doesn’t hesitate to keep Peter Gulacsi as his man between the sticks for tonight’s clash.
Current Manchester City Loanee Angelino has been slotted into left-back for the travelling team, with Nordi Mukiele also on the opposite side. To the relief of Leipzig fans, dynamic duo in Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano will also form the wall that divides Bayern’s attack and the collapse of there Bundesliga title hopes.
A three man midfield will then look to keep things moving against the monster that is Bayern Munich; Marcel Sabitzer taking up the holding role, Tyler Adams a little further forward and Amadou Haidara partnering the American.
Despite the lack of out and out pace in Leipzig’s attack, it’s certainly filled with creativity as Christopher Nkunku, Justin Kluivert and Emil Forsburg face the hosts.
Kick-Off
0′ We’re underway at the Allianz Arena as Forsburg kicks off for Leipzig. Such an exciting clash for the league but it’s fair to say I’d hate to be a fan of either one of these sides right now.
Can Flick’s side reign supreme once more or will the visitors come out on top to snatch away first place?
Prior to kick off both sides take a moment to reflect and pay tribute to Bayern Munich treasurer Kurt Hegerich following his recent passing.
2′ Sabitzer’s shot slams off the crossbar as Neuer is left stunned!
The Austrian’s shot from just outside the box nearly saw the visitors go ahead. Had the shot been just a little more accurate, Naggelsmann’s side would be top of the table!
7′ Pavard’s cross is cut out by the in-form Upamecano. After a strong string of passes from Bayern, the Frenchman anticipated the next move and dealt with it.
10′ Upamecano’s challenge forces Lewandowski to the ground as the two compete for a fifty-fifty challenge.
Despite the clash with the Polish talisman, Upamecano showed his class once more as he raced to the touchline and ensured The Reds only won a throw in.
Upamecano’s ability to use his pace has been made evident on numerous occasions this season whilst being the third fastest player in the league.
11′ Kinsley Coman registers Bayern’s first shot of the game with an effort that ripples the side netting.
Although Coman might have had the confidence to go it alone, the likes of Muller and Lewandowski were waiting patiently in the box.
13′ Nkunku’s on target shot is deflected just over the Bayern goal!
With Leipzig flashing Bayern with a fast counter-attack, Forsburg was able to find Nkunku free on the left-wing. Once cutting inside and trying to place the ball into the top-right corner, he couldn’t quite get the shot off quick enough to beat the block.
17′ Nkunku’s curling effort from outside the box comes so close to finding that top-right corner!
The Frenchman simply isn’t giving up in this first period as he records another effort on goal for the visitors.
18′ Gulacsi thumbles the ball out for a corner after stopping Coman’s pass across goal.
With Alaba playing a well-timed pass through to his winger, Coman wasn’t selfish this time as he tried his best to pick out a teammate. Unfortunately for The Reds, the chance was awkwardly squandered.
19′ GOAL – RB Leipzig
Embed from Getty ImagesNkunku finally succeeds in putting the away side ahead with a composed move resulting in a goal!
As Forsburg flew through the middle of the park, Bayern’s defence was all over the place to allow Nkunku to slip in behind and go through on goal. Even with Neuer’s famous ability to sweep up chances like this, the young attacker remained calm and nipped passed him. With an open goal waiting, Nkunku’s left foot passed the ball into the Bayern net.
Julian Naggelsmann’s men lead!
Embed from Getty Images25′ Substitution – Bayern Munich
Bayern’s youngest ever Bundesliga debutant comes onto the field to replace an injured Martinez. Jamal Musiala has a massive chance to prove himself here!
Will he be Bayern’s saviour as they remain a goal down?
28′ A magnificent save is made by Gulacsi as he tips Pavard’s shot over the bar!
The right-back came so close to recreating his famous 2018 World Cup goal as he swung his boot at the ball with such technique. However, the keeper equalled the effort with a world-class save that keeps his side ahead.
30′ GOAL – Bayern Munich
Embed from Getty ImagesMusiala equalize’s for Bayern with a brilliant strike!
In the biggest game of his life, the English youngster has dragged the champions back into the contest with a superbly placed shot into the bottom-right corner!
The answer is yes, Musiala can be Bayern’s saviour!
35′ GOAL – Bayern Munich
Embed from Getty ImagesThomas Muller makes it look easy as he places the ball past Gulacsi!
With Coman already recording his second assist of the game, the roles have reversed as Muller ended up scoring rather than assisting. A clever pass from Coman and even better finish!
36′ GOAL – RB Leipzig
Kluivert takes advantage of the asleep Bayern as he powers the ball into the bottom-left corner!
If it wasn’t for such an intelligent ball through to the Dutchman from Haidara, the visitors would have remained behind as his pass chipped past Alaba. Kluivert was then given the chance of a lifetime as the game levels once more.
Embed from Getty Images42′ Flick looks concerned as Coman goes down holding his hip.
Luckily the winger continues despite looking distressed.
43′ Haidara is also forced to ground as his left-knee is collided with during a messy challenge. Much like the previous incident, the teams manager won’t exactly be pleased with the news with Haidara playing so well this half.
45′ The injuries continue to flow as Goretzka acts a little too eager whilst challenging Nkunku, as the Frenchman is smashed to ground.
The sheer amount of injuries being caused over the last five minutes shows us just how much each team is willing to commit to this game. Whether their efforts are legal or not, every player looks as though they would go to war for their managers tonight.
48′ Haidara’s cross looked good but didn’t quite beat the aerial ability of Sule as Forsberg loses out.
49′ The referee calls for half-time as both sets of fans can finally breath a breath of fresh air.
Once again the Bundesliga doesn’t disappoint. What a half!
Half-Time
As both sides take fifteen to reflect on the first half, Bayern Munich currently draw 2-2 to RB Leipzig in what has been a thrilling contest!
With Nkunku having such an impressive start, he was eventually able to beat Manuel Neuer by taking the ball around the World Cup winner and slotting home for the away side.
Then just moments later, the French influence is shown again as Coman gets an assist for Bayern’s equalizer. However, the leveller was surprisingly snatched by youngster Musiala who placed a beautiful shot into the bottom-right corner.
As Bayern then found their rhythm, a nice passage of play found Coman building on an already great performance by playing through Muller. German experience, class and composure was then put on show as the leagues top assister grabbed one for himself with a calm shot past Gulacsi.
Just five minutes later though, Leipzig levelled the game once more as Kluivert was played through by Haidara who fired a shot into the side netting.
Stats
| Shots On Target | Shots | Possession (%) | Corner Kicks | Offsides | Fouls | |
| Bayern Munich | 3 | 5 | 60 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rb Leipzig | 2 | 5 | 40 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
Man of the match so far:
Without a doubt, Nkunku has been the games best player so far after nearly grabbing three himself. As soon as the game started, the youngster was thrashing shots at Neuer and eventually found himself bearing down on an empty net as he scored the first of the encounter.
Following his knock taken at the end of the first period, let’s hope the young star hasn’t been effected too badly as Nagelsmann looks to add to the current score line.
Embed from Getty ImagesSecond-Half
46′ The action resumes as Bayern Munich get us underway once more.
With the scores currently level and the game being turned upside down on numerous occasions, what do you think the final outcome will be come the end of the match?
48′ GOAL – RB Leipzig
The game is flipped once more as Forsberg headers home for Nageslman’s men!
With Angelino racing down the left-wing in space, the Spaniard was able to put a perfect delivery into the box that really gave Forsberg no other option but to nod one home.
It seems that no matter how deep Bayern sit when Leipzig have the ball, The Red Bulls will always find a way to break them down.
What a match!
53′ Boateng’s reckless challenge on Forsberg deserves a booking but is only told to calm down. Following the yellow card for Mukiele, questions will definitely be asked of the officiating team now that Boateng is let off the hook.
The challenge from Boateng is starting to emphasise just how desperate Bayern are willing to play after being shown once more that today is no walk in the park!
57′ As the ball is cleared up the pitch by Leipzig, it looks as though the away team are trying to slow the game down with a deep line and a no nonsense defensive policy. Allowing themselves a better chance at dealing with the Bayern entourage as they look to retain their lead.
62′ Substitution – RB Leipzig
64′ Substitution – Bayern Munich
Although Sane has looked sharp on the ball this evening, Flick has switched the German for another, as Serge Gnabry comes onto the field.
If anyone can turn things around for Bayern, its the former Arsenal man.
68′ Lewandowski clashes heads with Upamecano to force himself to the ground. Fortunately for the home side, their main-man gets up and continues to be a part of Bayern’s rescue mission.
Bayern can dominate possession as much as they want, but Leipzig remain ahead as the likes of Konate and Upamecano refuse to be broken down.
72′ Substitution – RB Leipzig
Things could’ve just gone from bad to worse for Bayern as Nagelsmann refreshers his side’s attacking options with Dani Olmo and Kevin Kampl. Although it looks like Leipzig will be locked into their half for the foreseeable future, these substitutions may be the key to them grabbing one more and finishing the tie off.
75′ GOAL – Bayern Munich
Embed from Getty ImagesThomas Muller rises high to glance another equalizer home for Bayern as Coman records his third assist of the game!
Nagelsmann is left infuriated as Muller lurks around in the box, unmarked. Once Coman’s cross came in, it was a easy finish for Muller that Gulacsi simply couldn’t get to.
77′ Substitution – RB Leipzig
It seems that Nagelsmann won’t settle for a draw at the Allianz Arena as more, fresh legged attacking options are brought into the contest.
Alexander Sorloth and Willi Orban enter the playing field.
83′ Goretzka takes no nonsense as he barges Sorloth off the ball to regain possession for The Reds.
83′ Substitution – Bayern Munich
In a last ditch attempt to try and snatch all three points from tonight, Flick brings on some technical class in Douglas Costa.
85′ Musiala leap was timed too early as a chance for Bayern is wasted.
Now that the youngster is coming to the end of the game, his lack of stamina in this monster of a Bayern team is made evident. Simply a touch with the chest to bring the ball down and a calm finish would have done the trick.
86′ Musiala wastes yet another massive chance!
The Englishman can’t take advantage of the situation once again after his volley from close range was scuffed up into the air, allowing Gulacsi an easy save.
91′ Neuer’s sprint out of goal was worth while as he clears a dangerous through-ball from Olmo.
Despite Nagelsmann’s plans, the former Barcelona product hasn’t really had the impact he would have hoped for.
93′ The contest ends level as the referee calls for full-time, 3-3.
What a match it’s been for the two front-runners, a proper Bundesliga fixture!
Full-Time
A truely exciting clash has come to an end at the Alianz Arena as Bayern Munich draw 3-3 to RB Leipzig.
Considering the form of the reigning champions, Leipzig did a terrific job and deserved to come away with more than just the point from today.
On the flip side though, Bayern’s quality pushes them through once more with Muller running the show. As he always does.
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