Leverkusen slip goes unpunished as Bayern draw with Dortmund
| Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images |
Earlier on Saturday, Leverkusen were frustrated in a goalless draw against Union Berlin, presenting Bayern with the chance to widen their gap of the top of the table to eight points.
But Vincent Kompany’s side were unable to capitalise, as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena in an entertaining game.
After Julian Brandt fired into the side netting early on, Bayern took control of the first half and carved out the better chances.
Their first real opening came around the 20-minute mark when Harry Kane’s header was saved by Gregor Kobel. Josip Stanisic sent a free header over the bar ten minutes later, before Michael Olise was denied in a one-on-one by the Gregor Kobel.
The Swiss goalkeeper remained a wall in the first half, keeping out another effort from Kane just before the break to ensure the sides went into halftime level.
Despite Bayern’s dominance, it was Dortmund who struck first after the restart. Maximilian Beier gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 48th minute, heading home at the far post from Julian Ryerson’s cross.
Bayern responded with intensity and nearly drew level in the 56th minute, when Waldemar Anton’s attempted clearance rattled the crossbar in a near own goal.
The equaliser finally arrived in the 65th minute through substitute Raphael Guerreiro, who capped off a flowing move with a composed finish against his former club.
Just minutes later, another substitute made his mark. Serge Gnabry danced through the BVB defence and slotted calmly past Kobel to put Bayern in front.
But Dortmund refused to go down without a fight, pulling level in the 75th minute as Waldemar Anton slotted home the rebound after Serhou Guirassy’s initial shot was parried.
Pascal Groß had a golden chance to snatch all three points for Dortmund late on, but his lofted finish went over the bar.
In the end, the points were shared. Bayern sit six points clear of Leverkusen at the top of the table, while Dortmund remain in eighth.
