FC Bayern Munich lose top spot after loss to Bayer 04 Leverkusen
FC Bayern suffered their third defeat of the season on Sunday. The Munich team lost 2-1 (0-1) at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. FCB dropped to second place in the Bundesliga, one point behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.
Two goals by Exequiel Palacios
Bayer 04 Leverkusen defeated FC Bayern Munich 2-1 in the Bundesliga thanks to two penalties converted by Exequiel Palacios in the second half. The Bavarian side had taken the lead with a goal by Joshua Kimmich in the 22nd minute, but could not hold on to their advantage and ceded the lead to Borussia Dortmund.
Fall to second place
Leverkusen are ninth in the table, while Bayern drop to second place, one point behind the leaders.
Joshua Kimmich scored the FC Bayern goal
A deflected shot from Joshua Kimmich put FC Bayern Munich ahead in the 22nd minute against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The goal came after a good combination on the right flank between Leroy Sané and João Cancelo, who crossed into the box for Goretzka to set up Kimmich. The German midfielder shot from outside the box and the ball touched Koussounou before going into the goal. It was Kimmich’s fourth goal of the season, equaling his tally from the previous campaign.
Benjamin Pavard concedes a penalty kick to Amine Adli
Bayer 04 Leverkusen equalized in the 56th minute from the penalty spot. The penalty was taken by Exequiel Palacios, who deceived Sommer and sent the ball into the left side of the goal. The penalty was awarded following a VAR review of a foul by Benjamin Pavard on Amine Adli inside the box.
Second penalty kick
Leverkusen took the lead thanks to another penalty in the 73rd minute. The foul was committed by Dayot Upamecano on Adli in the box and the VAR confirmed it. Palacios again took the spot-kick and repeated his shot to the left side. Sommer guessed right, but did not get a touch on the ball, 2-1.
Pressure without result
Bayern did not give up and searched for the equalizer until the end. In the 87th minute, Gnabry tried his luck with a shot from the right looking for the long post, but Hrádecký saved it.
Fight to the end
Three minutes later, the Leverkusen goalkeeper was again on hand to make another fine save from a Sané header. FCB tried until the final whistle, but could not avoid a 2-1 defeat.
Match at the summit on April 1
FC Bayern Munich’s next match will be a direct duel for the Bundesliga leadership. On April 1, FCB will host BVB at the Allianz Arena. Borussia Dortmund is the current leader of the standings with one point more than the Bavarian team. It will be a decisive match for the aspirations of both teams.
