Bundesliga 2018-19, Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Bayern Munich: 5 Talking Points
Bayer Leverkusen secured a vital 3-1 win over defending champions Bayern Munich, with Leon Bailey, Kevin Volland and Lucas Alario getting on the score sheet.
The visitors failed to reduce the gap between themselves and Borussia Dortmund, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Eintracht Frankfurt.
The game took some time to get going as both sides were sloppy in possession and lacked the required composure to get on the front foot.
Bayern had their first real chance in the 13th minute when Robert Lewandowski's effort was well blocked by Sven Bender. The former Dortmund man made yet another goal-saving interception in the 15th minute, thwarting Thomas Muller from close range.
Bayern took the lead four minutes from the interval when Leon Goretzka headed in from Thomas Muller's cross.
Leverkusen hit back in the 53rd minute after Leon Bailey stepped up and curled a sensational free-kick past Sven Ulreich. The hosts lead in the 63rd minute when Volland scored from Bellarabi's pass.
Leverkusen secured all three points in the 88th minute as they hit Bayern on the counter, a move which was finished off by Lucas Alario. On that note, let us take a look at the five talking points from the clash at the BayArena.
#5 An improved second-half display guides Leverkusen to win
Peter Bosz's side started the game in bright fashion as they pressed Bayern from the word go and did not allow the visitors to have enough time to dictate the game.
The defending champions caused Leverkusen problems down the left flank as Coman made some brilliant runs behind Weiser, who's positioning was questionable in the first half.
Leverkusen were slightly sloppy in possession and while playing out from the back, falling behind through Goretzka's header in the 41st minute.
Despite trailing Bayern at the interval, Leverkusen improved in the second half where they were organised in defence and composed in possession. The home side hit back in the 53rd minute through Leon Bailey's magnificent free kick.
Since the equaliser, Leverkusen contained the likes of Kimmich and Goretzka in midfield and their Center Backs: Tah and Bender marshalled Lewandowski to great effect.
The full backs kept Coman and Muller relatively quiet and found the right balance offensively and defensively.
Relentless pressing from Volland and Aranguiz forced Bayern to surrender position in vital areas of the pitch and were duly punished by a ruthless Leverkusen side, who took the lead through Kevin Volland in the 63rd minute.
On the other hand, Leverkusen defended well and snuffed out a flurry of Bayern attacks in the final quarter of the game.
Die Werkself put the game to bed three minutes from time as they caught Bayern on the break and took advantage of some sloppy organisation when Lucas Alario rounded off a beautiful counter.
Overall, a much overall second half display from the hosts helped them achieve victory over second placed Bayern, who find themselves seven points behind Borussia Dortmund.