Bayern Munich battle to a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen despite finishing with nine men after red cards for Nicolas Jackson and Luis Díaz.
Bayern Munich showed remarkable resilience to earn a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena. Vincent Kompany’s side finished the match with only nine players after two red cards.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bayern fought back from a goal down through Luis Díaz. The result keeps the league leaders firmly on course in the Bundesliga title race.
The hosts made a perfect start and took the lead in the sixth minute. A quick turnover allowed Patrik Schick to feed Aleix García on the edge of the area. García struck a powerful shot that deflected off Jonathan Tah and flew past goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. The early goal lifted the home crowd and put Bayern immediately under pressure.
Leverkusen continued to look dangerous on the break. However, Bayern gradually gained control of possession as they searched for a response.
Bayern thought they had equalised midway through the first half. Tah found the net from close range, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for handball. The visitors then suffered a major setback in the 42nd minute. Nicolas Jackson received a straight red card for a late challenge on Martin Terrier.
Leverkusen almost doubled their lead before the break. Malik Tillman raced through on goal but fired wide with only Ulreich to beat.
Leverkusen created several chances after the interval. Ulreich produced an important save to deny Schick during a one-on-one opportunity.
Harry Kane returned from injury shortly after the hour mark and immediately made an impact. The striker scored moments after coming on, but the goal was disallowed for handball in the build-up. Bayern eventually found their equaliser in the 69th minute. Michael Olise delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Díaz. The Colombian calmly slotted past goalkeeper Janis Blaswich to make it 1-1.
The match took another dramatic turn late in the second half. Díaz, already on a yellow card, was shown a second booking in the 84th minute for simulation in the penalty area. That dismissal left Bayern with nine players for the closing minutes. Leverkusen pushed forward in search of a late winner.
Jonas Hofmann thought he had scored in stoppage time after lobbing Ulreich. However, the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
Bayern’s determination proved crucial as they held firm despite their numerical disadvantage. The league leaders have now recovered 19 points from losing positions this season, the most in the Bundesliga. Olise also continued his impressive campaign. His assist for Díaz was his 17th of the season, a Bundesliga record after the first 26 matchdays.
Leverkusen finished with an expected goals total of 3.23 as they dominated late chances. Ulreich made five saves, his highest tally in a league match since 2024.
Bayern now turn their attention to the Champions League. They host Atalanta on Wednesday in the second leg of their last-16 tie after winning the first match 6-1.
Leverkusen will also be in European action. They travel to face Arsenal on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
