Spoils shared as Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig draw in top-of-the-table clash
RB Leipzig earned a point away to Bayern Munich for the first time ever as the Bundesliga’s top two traded blows in an entertaining 0-0 draw on Matchday 21.
Having only reclaimed top spot on Matchday 20, Bayern were in no mood to slip down the standings again and duly set about stamping their authority on the game. Thiago had the first chance as Hansi Flick’s men dominated the early exchanges, but his curling shot from the edge of the area was tipped over by Peter Gulacsi. It was the first of several promising openings for the hosts, with Alphonso Davies’ pace and directness down the left a frequent thorn in Leipzig’s side. Robert Lewandowski was almost the beneficiary of the Canadian’s forward forays a couple of times, but his shots either went wide or were deflected off target. Manuel Neuer was largely untested at the other end of the pitch, but had to be alert to a Timo Werner shot that skimmed just wide of his near post, leaving the teams on level terms at the interval.
If Bayern were the better team in the first half, Leipzig were on top for much of the second and immediately looked far more threatening. Marcel Sabizter should have broken the deadlock when unmarked 10 yards out, only to blaze over the bar with just Neuer to beat, before Werner twice missed the target when well placed to score. The hosts were awarded a penalty after Lewandowski was tripped by Dayot Upamecano, but the decision was revoked for offside in the build-up following consultation with VAR. Bayern could have grabbed a late winner when Lewandowski slipped Leon Goretzka into the penalty area, but Gulacsi made a superb save to tip his shot around the post and secure his side a well-deserved share of the points.
Match stats
- Konrad Laimer made his 100th competitive appearance for Leipzig.
- Lucas Hernandez (four months out) and Kingsley Coman (two months) both made their Bundesliga comebacks after sustaining long-term injuries last year.
- Joshua Kimmich made his professional debut for Leipzig in the third division.
- Bayern had 10 attempts on goal to Leipzig's eight, while they also won 53 per cent of all challenges.
- Julian Nagelsmann's side have only won one of 10 competitive meetings with the Bavarians.
- Leipzig have only won one of their seven games this season against teams in the top six of the standings.
Watch: Joshua Kimmich delivers his analysis of the game
Line-ups
Bayern: Neuer (c) – Pavard, Boateng (Hernandez 67'), Alaba, Davies – Kimmich, Thiago – Müller, Goretzka (Coman 85'), Gnabry (Coutinho 60') – Lewandowski
Unused subs: Ulreich, Odriozola, Cuisance, Tolisso, Zirkzee
Out: Martinez (thigh), Perisic (ankle), Süle (torn ACL)
Coach: Hansi Flick
Leipzig: Gulacsi – Klostermann, Upamecano, Halstenberg - Adams, Laimer - Sabitzer (c), Olmo (Schick 69'), Nkunku (Lookman 82'), Angelino - Werner (Poulsen 90+3')
Unused subs: Mvogo, Haidara, Forsberg, Wolf, Mukiele, Ampadu
Out: Kampl (ankle), Konate (hamstring), Orban (knee)
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Watch: Gulacsi: "Our best game so far"
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