Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Game
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen meet at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening, a match that puts the Bundesliga's first- and third-placed sides against one another in a head-to-head.
The European hopefuls are both leaders of their respective Champions League groups heading into the final matchday, and both have earned some impressive results in the campaign thus far. Bayern have built a commanding seven-point lead over Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, but B04 could cut their deficit from 10 to seven points with a win in Munich.
It will be a struggle for B04 to overcome their hosts, who are undefeated in the Bundesliga and have been in rather sensational form especially over the last two months. But every team is fallible once in a while and Leverkusen will aim to exploit any chance they get. Ahead of Saturday's clash, B/R takes a look at the key issues that could turn the game in either direction. Click "Begin Slideshow" for a closer look.
Calhanoglu's Free-Kicks
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Hakan Calhanoglu has scored six goals in all competitions this season, a respectable but relatively modest amount in the age of Messi and Ronaldo. The Mannheim-born Turkey international will, however, in all likelihood be Leverkusen's greatest threat to Bayern.
The important thing to consider about Calhanoglu is that all six of his goals have come from dead-ball situations, five of which were from direct free-kicks. The 20-year-old's delivery is technically brilliant and he has accuracy and power that make him arguably the Bundesliga's best set-piece specialist.
Bayern can starve Stefan Kiessling of chances to score, but it's much harder to prevent Leverkusen from getting a free-kick centrally from 30 or fewer meters. This would be Calhanoglu territory. The ex-Karlsruhe and Hamburg man seems to relish the big stage and, when given the chance, may well stun mighty Bayern.
Ribery's Record Against Leverkusen
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At 31 years of age, Franck Ribery is no longer relied upon by Bayern as much as he once was. Previously, the mercurial Frenchman was at the heart of nearly every Bavarian attack, his consistent brilliance nearly leading him to win the Ballon d'Or in January. This season, however, Ribery has shared his responsibilities with the likes of Mario Gotze and Arjen Robben.
Bayern may need to rely on Ribery once more against Leverkusen, however, given that the veteran is the only attacking midfielder available to Pep Guardiola with a career average against the Werkself of greater than a goal or assist every three games. Per Transfermarkt, he's scored twice and given five assists in 12 matches. Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Arjen Robben have been a cut below, so perhaps Ribery will be the man necessary to make the difference against a tough Leverkusen side.
Lars Bender vs. Xabi Alonso
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Lars Bender is exactly the kind of player Bayern don't want to face in midfield. His twin, Sven, gave Xabi Alonso all kinds of problems when the Bavarians faced Dortmund last month, and Bayern had to find other ways to spark their attack.
The prototypical athletic, pressing midfielder, Bender is nearly a decade younger than Alonso and has lungs unlike nearly any other Bundesliga player. Like his brother, he closes down space incredibly fast, leaving opposing midfielders with almost no time to think and build. Alonso repeatedly was harried by such tactics as employed by Dortmund and Bayern during his Real Madrid days. However, he's more used to the Bundesliga now and perhaps has learned a thing or two from Pep Guardiola. The holding midfielders' head-to-head could make a huge difference in the outcome of Saturday's game.
Robert Lewandowski's Form
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Ribery is the only Bayern attacking midfielder with a record of goals or assists against Leverkusen in excess of one every two (and even one every three) games. But striker Robert Lewandowski has, with two goals and three assists in eight career encounters with Leverkusen, an even better record. And the Poland international has come into some fine form as of late.
The beginning of the competitive season was a tough one for Lewandowski, who despite performing well in July and early August lost his scoring touch when competition began. However, he's come into some excellent form as of late, scoring six and assisting three more goals in his last nine Bundesliga and Champions League matches.
Rotation
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Both of Saturday's contestants will have an eye on the final round of Champions League action, which for Leverkusen comes next Tuesday and for Bayern comes a day later.
The Bavarians have a huge lead in the Bundesliga and perhaps don't have as much to worry about on the domestic stage. On the other hand, they already have clinched top spot in their group by at least four points. Still, having lost their most recent European clash to Manchester City, they will aim to impress once again on the big stage. That may require resting some key players over the weekend, depending on Pep Guardiola's desires.
The Werkself are in a less desirable position both in Europe and on the domestic front, and Roger Schmidt will have some tough choices to make as he prepares for Saturday's clash. B04 are third in the Bundesliga but only have a three-point advantage over seventh place with tough fixtures against Hoffenheim and Gladbach still to come before the winter break. They've qualified for the Champions League round of 16, but are just one point ahead of Monaco. They will need a draw away to Benfica if the French side draw with Zenit or if the Russians beat the Ligue 1 side. If Monaco beat Zenit at home, B04 will need a victory in Portugal.
It depends on the priorities Schmidt and Guardiola have, as well as those of the players they select. But rotation and attitude can make a huge difference in Saturday's game.
