Agency Report –
Munich/Berlin – Bayern Munich are keeping their feet on the ground after a 3-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen but can head into the return leg on Tuesday with plenty of confidence.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso conceded that “we need a miracle” to reach the quarter-finals, and the same can be said about the Bundesliga title race where leaders Bayern are eight points clear of title holders Leverkusen.
A brace from Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala somewhat restored the pecking order in German football as Bayern ended a winless run of six games against Leverkusen.
Reaching the Champions League final in their home stadium on May 31 is the big Bayern aim along with reclaiming the Bundesliga title.
First half of job done
But there is still a long way to go, including getting the job done in Leverkusen for a quarter-final against Inter Milan or Feyenoord, but Bayern have the momentum on their side now.
“It really is a big step in the right direction,” Kane said. “Half the job is done, but it’ll be decided next week. We need to approach that with the same mindset as today.”
Musiala said: “It won’t be easy in Leverkusen, but we’ve taken the first step and need to build on that.”
Bayern were impressive and focussed, less than three weeks after being completely outplayed by Leverkusen in the league and lucky to escape with a 0-0 draw.
Coach Vincent Kompany urges a similar performance in Leverkusen, where Bayern crashed 3-0 in the Bundesliga last year.
“It’s important we’re just as focused in the next game,” he said.
” We go again on Tuesday. We’re staying calm and have always shown that we’re ready for whatever comes our way, and that needs to remain the case. We did a lot well today and need to do the same again next week. So, there’s no time to praise ourselves.”
Leverkusen face daunting task
Leverkusen, who had Nordi Mukiele sent off in the second half and were lucky in the end when Bayern’s Joao Palhinha rattled the crossbar, have few illusions.
“We weren’t grown up enough today. It obviously hurts, but we really did a lot to help Bayern win. You can say we’ll need a miracle for the second leg,” Alonso said.
Kimmich decision to come
One of Bayern’s masterminds was midfielder Joshua Kimmich who proved his worth amid an unclear contract situation beyond the season.
Bayern have withdrawn their latest offer for the Germany captain to put pressure on him to make up his mind, and Kimmich said post-match on Wednesday that a decision is imminent.
“There will definitely be a decision soon, at the latest before the international break” which starts on March 17, Kimmich said.
Kimmich said Bayern wanted a decision before the Leverkusen duels but it appeared overall that he is ready to stay as he and officials spoke of good talks.
Board member for sport Max Eberl said that Kimmich was “not greedy” concerning his salary, and Kimmich also said that “this is not about squeezing the last Euro out of it.”
“We have had very good talks. I also realise that Max is very honest and fighting. I appreciate that a lot,” Kimmich said.
This could mean good news for Bayern twice next week: a quarter-final berth in the Champions League and Kimmich staying.
