Bayern drew 2-2 with Leverkusen, and former player Palacios scored a late penalty to steal a point

Author: Amrit Santlani

Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich dropped points at home on Friday night when they hosted Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on matchday four of the Bundesliga season. Harry Kane scored early on to put the hosts ahead, but Alex Grimaldo equalized shortly afterwards. Leon Goretzka scored four minutes before the end of regulation time, but his goal was cancelled out by a late penalty from Exequiel Palacios.

It was a clash between first and second place in the Bundesliga, and the game lived up to its name. The two teams remained level on 10 points apiece after sharing the scoreline, but Leverkusen retained the lead thanks to their superior goal difference.

Kane needed just seven minutes to open the scoring: the England international appeared alone on the end line and sent the ball into the net from a corner. Victor Boniface had a shot blocked early on as Leverkusen tried to level the game. Xabi Alonso’s side were awarded a free-kick outside the box for a foul on Grimaldo. The Spaniard scored his first goal in the Bundesliga and it was a fine one, as the ball sailed over the wall and into the back of the net to tie the game.

Shortly afterwards, Boniface had the ball in the back of the net again, but the striker was ruled offside and the goal was disallowed. Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry were denied by Lukas Hradecky, who made two good saves. Gnabry and Sane had their shots saved by Hradecky again, and the first half ended 1-1.

The Finnish goalkeeper denied Kane a clear goalscoring opportunity after the break, and Florian Witrz hit the post when Bayern were almost punished for their negligence. Five minutes before the end of regulation time, Mathys Tel showed his speed and found Goretzka unmarked, who smashed a first-time shot into the net. Alphonso Davies fouled Jonas Hofmann, the VAR awarded Leverkusen a penalty and Palacios ensured the visitors took home a point.

Dayot Upamecano put the ball in the back of the net, but was caught offside and the celebration was interrupted.