Nine-man Bayern earn point against Bayer Leverkusen

FC Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen shared the spoils in an eventful match in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Aleix García handed Leverkusen an early lead before Nicolas Jackson saw a red card late in the first half. Luis Díaz levelled the scores midway through the second half but was also dismissed for a second bookable offence with ten minutes to go. Bayern had two goals ruled out before the home side’s late match-winner was also chalked off.

Munich started with Sven Ulreich in goal and Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah and Konrad Laimer in defence. Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović anchored a midfield featuring Michael Olise, Lennart Karl and Díaz, with Jackson up front. Leon Goretzka, Harry Kane, Tom Bischof and Minjae Kim took over from Pavlović, Karl, Laimer and Olise in the second half.

Goals, reds and reviews

Bayern dominated possession throughout, but the home side took the lead when they countered and García beat Ulreich with the help of a deflection. Jackson fired wide and Kiimmich’s chip evaded Olise. Karl saw an effort blocked and Jackson put a shot straight at goalkeeper Jonas Blaswich.

Bayern had the ball in the net when Kimmich’s free-kick was flicked on and bounced in off Tah, but the goal was ruled out on review for handball against the ex-Leverkusen man. Montrell Culbreath curled a shot wide before Jackson had a yellow card upgraded to a red for a challenge on Martin Terrier. Ulreich denied Malik Tillman as Bayern trailed at half-time.

Action-packed second half

Díaz miscued and Tillman put the ball just wide at the other end after the restart. Ulreich denied Patrik Schick before Bayern had the ball in the net for a second time, Kane chasing down Blaswich’s clearance seconds after coming on before Díaz got hold of the loose ball and invited Kane tap in, but it was ruled out again for handball.

Ernest Poku fired wide, but Bayern did level the scores when Olise intercepted a pass and slipped in Díaz, who slotted home. Olise saw a shot saved and another effort blocked. Munich were further reduced when Díaz went down in the box and referee Christian Dingert prpduced a second yellow card for simulation. Ulreich saved from Tillman in the closing minutes and Jonas Hofmann’s apparent winner was denied by an offside call. Ulreich produced another good stop against Ibrahim Maza as Bayern saw out the point.

The result means Bayern have 67 points from 26 matches, nine clear of Borussia Dortmund. Vincent Kompany’s team will be back in action on Wednesday when they entertain Atalanta in the Champions League round of 16 second leg.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen