Bayer 04 Holds Bayern

A draw at the Allianz Arena – normally, only Bayern fans would find reason to cheer. But after last Saturday's 1-1 against the record champions, most Leverkusen supporters probably greeted the result with a satisfied grin. Why? Because Xabi Alonso's team didn’t just snatch a point; they once again proved that under his leadership, Bayer 04 has matured significantly.


“If you want to beat Bayern, you have to know how to defend,” a wise person once said. And that’s exactly what Bayer 04 did. From the first whistle, it was clear Alonso’s game plan revolved around keeping Bayern’s offense at bay, with discipline, fighting spirit, and a good dose of bravery. Just sitting back isn’t enough against Bayern, as we all know. But Leverkusen showed that they’ve mastered the balancing act between a compact defensive approach and the occasional sharp counterattack.

When Robert Andrich struck coldly in the 31st minute with Bayer 04's first real chance, it was no fluke. A corner kick, a smart layoff from Xhaka, and a precise finish – pure efficiency. Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlovic responded just eight minutes later with a superb long-range shot, demonstrating that Bayern could still flash their individual brilliance. But what happened after that was truly impressive: Bayern kept pressing, and Leverkusen kept defending. And they did it with a resolve we haven’t always seen from them.

Let’s be honest, this wasn’t a match for the football romantics. But these are exactly the kinds of games that elevate a team to the next level. Leverkusen knew they wouldn’t have much possession on this day (31%), but they made the most of it. It wasn’t the dazzling attacking show we’ve seen from Bayer 04 in recent matches, but it was a game in which the team nailed its defensive duties. Earning a point in Munich is also proof that this side has matured.

Xabi Alonso summed it up: “We were ready to suffer.” And that’s exactly what makes great teams – the understanding that you don’t always need to shine, but sometimes you just need to get the job done. And that’s exactly what Bayer 04 did. Even though Bayern hit the post twice and dominated possession, the final score mattered. And from a Leverkusen perspective, a 1-1 draw reads pretty well.

A few years ago, this is the type of game Leverkusen would have lost, especially in Munich, where they often took a beating. But those days seem to be over. Bayer 04 has now managed to go unbeaten in four consecutive Bundesliga matches against Bayern. This isn’t just a flattering statistic – it’s a sign that something is truly coming together in Leverkusen. A team that can hold its own in the big matches. A team that’s starting to show some teeth and not just rely on its finesse.

Of course, one point in Munich doesn’t mean we should get ahead of ourselves, but it seems like Xabi Alonso is steering the ship with a clear philosophy. Stability and efficiency are two qualities that Bayer 04 has long been missing. Sure, there’s still room for improvement – the players themselves admit that, as Granit Xhaka pointed out after the game. But if you can stand toe-to-toe with Bayern, you have every right to feel satisfied.

With this point in the bag, Bayer 04 can now focus on their next challenge: AC Milan is coming to Leverkusen! The Champions League will bring a different kind of match, but one thing is clear: Bayer 04 has shown they’re ready to deliver, even on the biggest stages. It’ll be exciting to see how the team performs on Tuesday night.

In conclusion, the point in Munich was hard-fought and well-earned. With stability and efficiency, Bayer 04 has positioned itself as a serious contender to Bayern’s throne. And they’ve done it in style.