The Bavarians claimed a statement victory in their first game after the international break.
Bayern Munich defeated Leverkusen 4-0 in their Bundesliga game on Friday. A crucial home win saw Julian Nagelsmann’s side reclaim Bundesliga’s top spot.
A ‘different Bayern’?
Bayern came into the game amid serious doubts over Nagelsmann’s future at the club.
Club director Hasan Salihamidzic vowed the Bavarians would bounce back by becoming a ‘different’ team after the international break.
Nagelsmann’s side showed their hunger right from the start, breaking the deadlock only three minutes into the game.
Following an assist from Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane smashed the ball behind Lukas Hradecky with a powerful strike from inside the box.
The Bavarians continued their attacks from both flanks while Leverkusen struggled to keep their defensive integrity. Following a few missed chances, Musiala doubled Bayern’s lead with a brilliant low shot.
The teenage star then completed his fantastic performance by providing an assist for Bayern’s third goal in the 39th minute.
Sadio Mane received the ball at the edge of the box before rifling a powerful shot into the left corner of the net.
Having already secured their win, Bayern slowed their tempo while maintaining their attacking edge in the second half.
Hradecky prevented Musiala and Mane from completing their braces with a host of impressive saves. But he eventually undermined his performance with a terrible blunder in the 84th minute.
The Slovakian keeper failed to get his foot to the ball following a back pass, with Thomas Muller easily turning the loose ball into Bayern’s fourth goal of the night.
Nagelsmann’s side will now prepare to return to the Champions League, where they host Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.