Bayern Munich 1-0 RB Leipzig
This narrow game between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig has got to have one of the most intense finishes I have ever seen in a Bundesliga game.
The match had a good number of scoring chances from both sides, but none of those was just going into the net. And then the drama unfolded in the end game. Goals and cards were flying through the air as Die Roten emerged victorious in this tough encounter.
Highlights of the game
Borussia Dortmund’s hopes for an invincible season have gone up in flames when Fortuna Dusseldorf pulled off what is probably the biggest upset of the season to defeat the league leaders. This was the perfect chance for both contenders to catch up to the top of the table, making this match a must-win for both sides.
The Allianz Arena was anticipating with bated breath by the time the game was started. Both sides knew that their opponents will be tough customers to play against, so scoring the first goal was of the utmost importance for Niko Kovac and Ralf Rangnick.
The first half was abound with action as both the Bavarians and the Red Bulls traded blows in the game’s early minutes to establish dominance. Serge Gnabry was especially active for Bayern. The former Arsenal man is having a great time in Munich with his four goals, and he probably wanted to establish himself in Kovac’s XI with this game.
There wasn’t any moment worthy of being included in the weekly Bundesliga 2018 highlights until the 25th minute. Robert Lewandowski looked to add to his ten-goal tally in the lead by firing a low-driven bullet that got past Peter Gulacsi. Unfortunately for him, his goal was denied by the left post.
The misfortune seemingly began to pile up on the defending Bundesliga champions when Serge Gnabry went down two minutes later. The injury was apparently too much as Franck Ribery was called to substitute for him.
The game raged on as both teams tried to end the first half with a high. Dayot Upamecano almost scored a magnificent header from the six-yard box for Leipzig on 36 minutes, but his header was just a tad bit too high as it hit the crossbar. Die Rollen Bullen tried to finish the effort, but the ball was cleared away.
Neither team was able to beat the backline as the first half ended in a disappointing draw. The Stern des Sudens faithful — who have experienced disappointing collapses this season — probably were steeling themselves for another one that has become somewhat of a signature in Kovac’s reign.
Both teams made the necessary adjustments, but neither team managed to make the most of their opportunities. Thomas Muller, Niklas Sule and Joshua Kimmich had their chances to put Bayern ahead, but Lady Luck seemed against them on the day.
It was starting to look like a goalless draw, and some of the Bayern fans were still preparing themselves for the worst. What the fans didn’t know was that everything was a set-up for a dramatic finish.
It was Ribery, the man who wasn’t even supposed to play, who got the goal. Renato Sanches fired a seemingly impossible shot that forced a great save from Gulacsi. However, a goalmouth scuffle saw the ball drift towards Ribery at the edge of the penalty box. He kicked a powerful ball towards the goal that broke past the Hungarian stopper.
However, the action didn’t stop there. The Allianz Stadium got up to their feet as two red cards were brandished in rapid succession. Both Stefan Ilsanker and Sanches were sent off early for rough defending. Kovac would have wanted the Portuguese midfielder to discipline himself, but he is probably happy to just get the three points.
Key statistics
The Bundesliga 2018 odds saw this game as a tight contest that either side would have won at the death, and that’s exactly what happened for Bayern. They had a bit more time with the ball at 60%, but their shot attempts weren’t that far off from Leipzig. However, their dominance was on display as they had 22 free kicks.
Yussuf Poulsen and Timo Werner are the best-attacking options for Leipzig and were the driving force behind their win against Mainz. However, but Sule and Mats Hummels were able to stop the terrifying two-some as they only had one shot attempt each.
What’s next?
The Bundesliga 2018 odds at the best bookies SBOBET have definitely improved for Bayern, but they aren’t exactly back on top. They are still six points behind Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach have the edge on goal difference. They must end 2018 on a high against Eintracht Frankfurt if they want to put pressure on the two clubs above them.
Meanwhile, Leipzig have a bit of catching up to do. They will finish the year hosting Werder Bremen, but their first league game of 2019 will be the reverse fixture against Dortmund. They must stand their ground if they want to keep themselves on the chase.
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