Observations at halftime

• Manuel Neuer’s red card in the 17th minute ensured that the game remained goalless. Leverkusen failed to convert the free kick, making the removal of Leroy Sané the main consequence of the foul.
• Five years ago, Manuel Neuer would have come out early enough to win the ball with a header. It’s hard to admit this, but it has become Bayern’s reality. Instead, he received his first red card as a professional.
• Daniel Peretz came off the bench completely cold and played fantastically. Great positioning and reaction on both saves. If he somehow manages to keep a clean sheet, he will have earned some playing time in the near future.
• In the five to ten minutes after the red card, Leverkusen had the upper hand. Then Bayern (players, coaches, fans, everyone!) transformed and brought a relentless energy. If Bayern don’t burn out, they’ll have the upper hand.
• I stick with my prediction before the game: Bayern Munich will win 2-1. Leon Goretzka (header) and Jamal Musiala (controversial penalty) save the day.

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45’+3: Kim Min-jae hits a header that just misses the goal. He is angry with himself.

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45′: Florian Wirtz goes through the penalty area, but his cross over the goal remains untouched.

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43′: Leon Goretzka’s header shot over Matěj Kovář’s crossbar.

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38′: Kingsley Coman’s shot deflects just wide of the goal. Bayern are not giving in!

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34′: Kingsley Coman’s header from a corner goes just over the crossbar.

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33′: Save! Daniel Peretz denies Frimpong.

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32′: Konrad Laimer slides behind the Leverkusen defense and shoots the ball into the side netting.

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30′: Another long shot, this one from Nordi Mukiele. Leverkusen is pushing the attack, but has not yet challenged Peretz.

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22′: Yellow card. Florian Wirtz is booked for Joshua Kimmich’s free kick.

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19′: Substitution. Leroy Sané was replaced by Daniel Peretz.

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17′: RED CARD! Manuel Neuer defeats Jeremie Frimpong on a breakaway.

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12′: Double yellow cards. Dayot Upamecano is attacked by another foul from Edmond Tapsoba and a shoving match ensues.

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11′: A weak defense from Dayot Upamecano, but Florian Wirtz’s unchallenged shot goes just wide of the goal.

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7′: Kingsley Coman takes the first shot of the game, but it’s not a problem for Matěj Kovář.

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1′: Game time, hoo!

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Leroy Sané and Michael Olise will be in the starting line-up together for the first time. Konrad Laimer retained his starting place at right-back despite being beaten 1-1 by Jamie Gittens in Dortmund’s game.

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In his short but successful tenure as Bayer Leverkusen coach, Xabi Alonso has never lost against his former club Bayern Munich. His counterpart Vincent Kompany has never caused a German club to lose in his coaching career.

Bayern have only scored multiple goals once in their last five games, but their defense has been excellent at keeping opponents off the pitch. Stuttgart is the only German club to eliminate Leverkusen this season.

Regardless of today’s result, one or two impressive series will be broken.

Forecast: Bayern Munich wins 2-1. Leon Goretzka (header) and Jamal Musiala (controversial penalty) save the day.

It’s Bavaria time.

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While you wait for the game, check out our preview podcast. Listen below or on Patreon, Spotify or below:

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Game information

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 8:45 p.m. local time, 2:45 p.m. EST

TV/Streaming: ESPN+, Find your country

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