Is This Finally Bayer(N)'s Year?

Bayer smashed four past a hapless Stuttgart while Bayern put three past a struggling, yet brave Hanover.

Ladies and gentlemen of Leverkusen, Bayern are back!

Ivica Olic made sure that Bayern made it past Maccabi Haifa and he also played a huge part in the game against Hanover. His pass for Thomas Muller's opener oozed class. Hanover could have perhaps defended better though. Muller's touch to put it past keeper Florian Fromlowitz was nothing short of brilliant either. Olic added a second when he connected with a Daniel Pranjic cross. Andreas Ottl played a wonderful pass to Mario Gomez who finished beautifully to kill the game off.

Thomas Muller is turning out to be the kind of player who can change a game in a second. Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic are turning out to be the best strikers for FCB, especially Olic. And, Luca Toni might be sent packing in Winter. Things are looking rosy for Bayern.

Bayern didn't dismiss their opponents by any means though.  The Hanover manager said that the scoreline was slightly flattering and he was probably correct. Keeper Hans Joerg Butt had to deny Hanover twice due to Bayern's woeful defending. Also, if Hanover had scored, Daniel Van Buyten would be credited with an assist.

The defense may not be looking good. However, it is conceding far less goals. A cross from Daniel Pranjic during the match impressed everyone and maybe, he can stick around in midfield. Andreas Ottl was given a runout and I don't know whether every Bayern supporter is on the same page as I am about this: Ottl on his day is a wonderful defensive midfielder and Bayern could use him. Giving him away could turn out to be as costly as giving away Zvejdan Misimovic turned out to be.

Bayer who won 4-0 will definitely be aware of the fact that Bayern have climbed upto fourth.

This takes us back to the 200, when Bayer lost out the championship on the last day to Bayern, when they finished second due to a loss on the final matchday. Michael Ballack, ironically scored an own goal for Bayer that night while Bayern beat bremen 3-1.

Finally, Uli Hoeness, who took over from "Kaiser" Franz Beckenbauer during the weekend as club President , started off his new career with a win. Most importantly, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Captain Mark also contributed to the win.

The game was won without Robben and Ribery. Leverkusen, watch out!