Win at Leverkusen provides blockbuster end to year

The final game of the year was another thrill ride for Bayern fans. In the last minute of added time, Robert Lewandowski smashed the ball into the net to seal a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen, as a result of which the German record champions end 2020 as league leaders. “The fact we scored the winning goal in the last second would fit in a Hollywood film about our 2020,” said a delighted Thomas Müller.

Bayern show battling qualities

The visitors struggled to get into the game at the BayArena, which was also down to the strength of the Werkself. “You have to take your hat off, they play very good football,” praised Hansi Flick. His team fell behind in the 14th minute, but once again they fought back and equalised through Lewandowski shortly before the break. “That shows our ability to bounce back,” pointed out Müller.

Desire rewarded

The Reds pushed on after that in search of a winner. “We were determined and you could see the desire that the team has,” assessed Flick, who also brought on Joshua Kimmich following a lengthy injury lay-off. And naturally, it was he who won the crucial tackle and played the ball into the path of Lewandowski for the Pole to net the joyous winning goal. “It was an important goal and an important win,” summarised the Best FIFA Men’s Player.

Perfect finish to 2020

“We wanted to show that we’re the best team in Germany,” said Müller. The champions did just that and can now enjoy looking at the table over the holiday period, for FCB are right at the top. “It’s the ending that we all wanted for this fantastic year,” added Flick. He and his players now have around a week to relax before training begins again and the focus turns to new challenges. After all, Bayern are far from done yet. “We’ll keep working hard,” Müller promised the fans, who can therefore look forward to 2021.

Kingsley Coman was forced off at Leverkusen, but there was good news on Sunday: