Bayern Munich's clash with Bayer Leverkusen should be one of those football matches that no fan would wish to miss. Matches between the two toughest teams in the Bundesliga-with high-profile players in both teams-are in themselves promises of an entertaining and quality match. Bayern, now under the wheel of Vincent Kompany, and Leverkusen spearheaded by Xabi Alonso, enjoy a dream start to the season with powerful offenses and sky-high confidence.
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The power of a smashing beginning
It is truly not an exaggeration to say that Bayern Munich, with its new management, has started in the most fantastic fashion. Without question, six straight wins in all competitions-a week in which the team netted 20 goals-must raise eyebrows. Kompany, the former centre-back who was thrown into coaching, wasted no time in molding Bayern's style of play into something even more clinical in front of goal. A 9-2 win in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb put it plain: Bayern isn't playing around.
On the other hand, Leverkusen has also started into the season very well. After suffering their first defeat in over a year, they responded with three straight wins, including the 4-0 thrashing of Feyenoord in the Champions League. Confidence is sky-high on both sides, and when confidence meets quality, the result is often spectacular matches.
Diverse and powerful attacks
It is impossible to bypass the offensive firepower both teams bring to the table. On Bayern's side is Harry Kane, who has remained a scoring machine. He is already in the race to be the top scorer this season in the Bundesliga. With such players as Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise keeping his back, the English forward has everything he needs to keep on shining. The latter has proven to be a true wizard on assists and dribbles. His skill to break defenses can be increasingly more conspicuous as Werder Bremen has joined the group of his victims.
While Bayern's attack is loaded, Leverkusen is not that far behind. Victor Boniface is in top form, having netted three goals in three games. Moreover, the fact that Leverkusen has a penchant for late goals shows this team has ice in its veins and plenty of stamina. This kind of quality often tends to make a difference in big games where matches can sometimes be decided in the final minutes.
Leverkusen's defense and the midfield key
The back three with Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, and Piero Hincapie may be solid and sound for Leverkusen. Though the team has so far conceded nine goals in the Bundesliga, this backline has enough experience to hold its own against Bayern's potent attack. But the person holding the key to Leverkusen's success could be tenacious midfielder Robert Andrich, who cleans up right in front of the backline while acting as a link between defense and attack. Alonso will no doubt be thinking of how he can adjust his defense to offset Bayern's speedy and smart forwards.