ⓒ The Sydney Morning Herald
Bayern Munich’s hopes of winning the DFB Pokal ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to rivals Bayer Leverkusen. The match, played at a packed Allianz Arena, saw Bayern play a man down for much of the game after goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s controversial red card in the first half. Neuer’s dismissal, for a foul outside the penalty area that prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity, left Bayern facing an uphill battle.
Despite being a man down, Bayern dominated possession and outshot Leverkusen, highlighting their attacking prowess even with ten men. However, their inability to convert chances proved costly, a recurring theme in recent matches. The absence of star striker Harry Kane, injured in the recent Klassiker against Dortmund, further hampered Bayern’s attacking capabilities.
Coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the loss but praised his team’s performance, emphasizing their proactive approach despite the numerical disadvantage. Captain Joshua Kimmich echoed this sentiment, highlighting the missed opportunities as the key factor in the defeat, rather than Neuer’s red card.
Bayern’s struggles in front of goal have been a consistent issue, with only one game out of their last six seeing them score more than a single goal. This lack of firepower in crucial matches raises concerns about their chances in major competitions.
While the mood at the club remains positive, with Kompany’s leadership praised for improving team morale and defensive solidity, the reality is that Bayern’s failure to score in big games could cost them dearly as the season progresses. They currently trail the Bundesliga pace set by Thomas Tuchel’s team last year and have suffered two Champions League losses, a stark contrast to their performance last season.
The Pokal exit serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Bayern. While the defensive improvements are evident, their offensive inefficiencies need to be addressed if they are to compete for major honours.
