FC Bayern Munich defeated Bayer Leverkusen to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. Read the match details and key moments.
FC Bayern Munich has advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals after defeating Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the second leg of their round of 16 tie. The match took place at the BayArena in Leverkusen. Bayern had previously won the first leg with a score of 3-0, giving them a comfortable advantage heading into the second match.
Bayer Leverkusen faced significant challenges. They were already trailing 3-0 from the first leg and were without the services of key player Wirtz, who was sidelined with an inner ligament injury. In response to their previous 0-2 defeat against Werder Bremen, Leverkusen made four changes to their starting lineup. Kovar was replaced by Hradecky in goal, while Hincapie, Palacios, Grimaldo, and Frimpong also returned to the first eleven. Tapsoba, Tella, Buendia, and Adli were named as substitutes. Schick was included in the starting lineup to lead the attack.
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany opted for consistency, fielding a similar lineup to the first leg, with the exception of the injured Neuer. Urbig stood in as goalkeeper for Bayern. All outfield players who participated in the 2-3 defeat against VfL Bochum on Saturday were on the bench, with Goretzka being the only exception.
First Half
The atmosphere at the BayArena was intense from the start. Bayern Munich started the match more assertively, preventing Leverkusen from establishing an early dominance. With a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Bayern played with more ease. Kane had an early opportunity, but Hradecky saved his shot. Laimer and Coman received yellow cards. Kane later missed another chance in the 15th minute, and Olise’s shot went past the left post in the 16th minute. Leverkusen struggled to gain control against Bayern’s defense.
Despite being closely marked by Bayern’s defenders, Schick had a few opportunities, heading Xhaka’s cross past the left post in the 37th minute and another attempt into the outer netting shortly before halftime. Bayern maintained a solid defense and created the best chances in the first half.
Second Half
Bayern continued their momentum after halftime. Stanisic replaced the cautioned Laimer, and Bayern quickly created another scoring chance. Olise’s deflected shot went narrowly wide in the 49th minute. Soon after, Kane scored in the 52nd minute, increasing Bayern’s aggregate lead to 4-0. Leverkusen’s hopes of a comeback were diminished. Hradecky prevented Coman from scoring in the 57th minute.
Bayern then extended their lead with a goal from Davies in the 71st minute. Leverkusen continued to strive, but they were unable to alter the score. Musiala hit the post twice in the closing stages. The match concluded after three minutes of added time.
Match Conclusion
FC Bayern Munich progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Bayer 04 Leverkusen was eliminated from European competition.
Leverkusen will play against Stuttgart on Sunday. FC Bayern will travel to face 1. FC Union Berlin on Saturday.
Sources: https://www.kicker.de/leverkusen-gegen-bayern-2025-champions-league-5015522/spielbericht
https://www.msn.com/de-de/sport/fussball/h%C3%B6ren-nicht-auf-trotzige-leverkusener-suchen-trost-im-pokal/ar-AA1AJRd1
https://www.kicker.at/kompany-adelt-kane-motivation-wie-ein-a-jugendspieler-1097389/video