Saturday, 29 November 2008
Bayern Munich Beat Leverkusen 2-0
Following a lively first half that ended in a 0-0 draw, the visitors dominated the second half and netted twice (Toni, 59 and Klose, 82) to ensure victory in Leverkusen.
The result of today's match leaves Bayern three points behind leaders Hoffenheim ahead of next week's clash. Leverkusen, on the other hand, slip to fourth place; two points behind Hertha Berlin.
First Half
Bruno Labbadia made just one change to the squad that lost 2-1 in Bielefeld last week: Gonzalo Castro returned to his usual role at right-back at the expense of Hans Sarpei.
Juergen Klinsmann, on the other hand, made two changes to the squad that won 3-0 against Steaua Bucharest in midweek: Daniel van Buyten replaced the injured Martin Demichelis in central defense, and Andreas Ottl replaced flu-ridden skipper Mark van Bommel in central midfield.
Franck Ribery also made one change, opting to replace his white boots in favour of a pair of hot pink ones.
In the early play, both teams had success in the midfield, although Castro was all over Ribery, and Bayern were forced to rely on their midfield as a whole. The best opportunities early on fell to Leverkusen, who seemed to have a bit more sharpness in the penalty area than did Bayern. In the 13th minute, Tranquillo Barnetta teed up Patrick Helmes, who drilled a 22-yard effort on goal, but was denied by a fingertip save from Michael Rensing. Three minutes later, Barnetta's corner found Henrique open in the penalty area, but the Brazilian's header rebounded off the left post and was cleared away. In the 20th minute, Helmes latched onto a through-ball at the by-line and raced pass Lucio with ease. His cross to Stefan Kiessling was blocked by Daniel van Buyten, and his follow-up shot hit the wrong side of the net.
Bayern, too, created their share of opportunities; a great ball from Bastian Schweinsteiger found Miroslav Klose in the penalty area, but the German international's cross to Luca Toni was blocked by Henrique. Three minutes later, Schweinsteiger volleyed at the top of the box, but Rene Adler made a fine punch-save.
After a promising start, Leverkusen had a difficult time passing near the penalty area, as Bayern's defense solidified. The visitors had one final chance as time expired: a corkscrewing 18-yard effort from Schweinsteiger that Adler read well and punched over the bar.
Following a lively first half, the teams deadlocked for second place in the Bundesliga entered half-time still lacking a decisive difference between them.
Second Half
Labbadia made one change at the break: Hans Sarpei replaced Arturo Vidal, moving Castro into the midfield and Augusto into the playmaker's position.
In contrast to the first half, Bayern outplayed their hosts in the early play. After forcing saves on Lucio (47) and Schweinsteiger (49), the visitors took the lead in the 58th minute following a header from Luca Toni. Ze Roberto raced forward to latch onto a through-ball on the left side, and sent a gorgeous cross to the Italian striker, who nodded low and past Adler, who had no chance of saving.
After their opener, Bayern went into a strictly defensive mode, tempting the home team to threaten Rensing's goal. However, Leverkusen's passing continued to disappoint. In fact, it was the visitors who produced the better opportunities; a 77th minute effort from Ribery was well-saved in the left corner of the goal.
The home team finally had a chance to equalise in the 80th minute when Gonzalo Castro was played into the right side of the penalty area. The five-times capped German international failed to recognize Helmes unmarked in the centre of the penalty area, opting to try his luck on goal. However, Castro's shot was just over the bar.
Leverkusen would rue their failure to equalise when, two minutes later, Miroslav Klose doubled Bayern's lead. Following a loose clearance from the Leverkusen defence, Ribery slipped through to Klose, who shot a low drive from the top of the box and just past Adler's fingertips.
As full time drew nearer, Helmes was the only one who could come close for Leverkusen. His efforts in the 85th and 89th minutes came close, but both were wide.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Bayern Munich
0-1 Toni (58)
0-2 Klose (82)
Yellow Cards:
Vidal (43), Henrique (47) / Toni (71), Ottl (85)
Bayer Leverkusen: Adler - Kadlec, Henrique, Friedrich, Castro - Rolfes - Barnetta, Augusto (Gekas, 82) - Vidal (Sarpei, 46) - Kiessling, Helmes
Bayern Munich: Rensing - Lahm, van Buyten, Lucio, Oddo - Ribery, Ze Roberto, Ottl, Schweinsteiger - Toni (Borowski, 75), Klose
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