Dominant Bayern held to a draw by Leverkusen

In a highly-anticipated Bundesliga clash, Bayern Munich welcomed reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen to the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.

The Bavarians were fired up to take revenge on Leverkusen after the Werkself thrashed them 3-0 in their last meeting in February on their way to the Bundesliga title.

However, despite dominating the game from start to finish, the Bavarians were unable to get the win they wanted and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The home side started the game on the front foot, dominating possession, while the champions were content to sit back and try to threaten on the counter-attack.

But Bayern struggled to convert their possession into real chances and were punished at the other end when Leverkusen scored out of nothing.

Granit Xhaka laid the ball off to Robert Andrich, who unleashed a shot from the edge of the area that found the back of Manuel Neuer to give the visitors the lead just after the half-hour mark.

The goal didn't seem to shake Bayern too much, though, as they patiently looked for an opening. They didn't need much of an opening, though, as Aleksandar Pavlovic's powerful volley from 25 metres in the 38th minute levelled the scores at 1-1.

Bayern were unlucky not to take the lead soon after the break when Harry Kane's floated cross found Serge Gnabry at the back post. The winger first hit the post and then, when the ball came back to him, he unleashed a second effort that struck the crossbar.

Still in control, Bayern pressed for the lead and came close to making it 2-1 when Lukas Hradecky produced a fine save to deny Michael Olise on the hour mark.

Joshua Kimmich, Minjae Kim and Konrad Laimer also threatened the Bayer 04 goal as the second half progressed, but it wasn't to be for Bayern, who will be disappointed not to have taken all three points.

The result means Bayern remain top of the table, two points clear of RB Leipzig, while Leverkusen drop to third, three points adrift of the leaders.