September 15, (THEWILL) – Bayer Leverkusen snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich on Friday night, to remain top of the Bundesliga.
Exequiel Palacios converted a stoppage-time penalty to cancel out Leon Goretzka’s late strike and secure a point for the visitors. Harry Kane had given Bayern an early lead but Alejandro Grimaldo’s brilliant free-kick brought Leverkusen level in the first half. Lukas Hradecky then produced a string of fine saves to deny Kane, Leroy Sane, Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry.
The teams went into the game as the only sides with 100% records after three matches. And Bayern looked set to make it four wins out of four when Goretzka swept in from Mathys Tel’s cross with four minutes left.
However, Leverkusen were awarded a penalty in injury time after Alphonso Davies fouled Jonas Hofmann. Palacios kept his cool to fire high into the net from the spot. There was still time for late drama when Dayot Upamecano thought he had won it for Bayern, only to be denied by an offside flag.
The thrilling draw means Leverkusen remain top on goal difference ahead of their title rivals. The two teams go to Europe for their next matches with Bayern hosting Manchester United on Wednesday, in the UEFA Champions League and Leverkusen welcoming Hacken on Thursday, in the UEFA Europa League.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
