It’s been a while since I’ve broken down a game, but this one deserves a proper deep dive. For the first time this season, Bayern were rendered completely toothless. Alonso, who had previously been outplayed by Kompany despite favorable results, was fully prepared this time—and it showed.
Leverkusen’s Tactical Setup
The lineup was nearly identical to their Pokal setup, with one key adjustment: Tella replacing Andrich. The intent was clear—use Tella’s relentless runs to constantly disrupt Bayern’s backline and stretch the defensive block.
But also as a dummy to allow Wirtz to drop between the lines. It worked, while Bayern struggled to stretch theirs and create space for Musiala between the lines, with Kane and Musiala usually on the same line vs a tight block of 8 to 9 players.
By opting for back 4 of 4 CBs with fullbacks operating as wingers, Leverkusen gave themselves the luxury of going man-to-man across the pitch. Their press was aggressive and relentless—Tapsoba tracked Kane everywhere, Tah followed Musiala as far as possible,
and crucially, they had cover behind them. If either center-back stepped out, a fullback (Frimpong or Grimaldo) could tuck in, while Mukiele or Hincapié slotted into the CB positions. This gave Leverkusen freedom to press high while keeping their block compact.
Below you can see Tah going back after tracking Kane all over, and Mukiele recovering his position, feeling unthreatened by Bayern.
Tah was also, constantly demanding the backline to push up when Bayern were circulating possession, the goal is simple, stay compact and Bayern simply couldn’t find a way through. As a coach, my first thought would:
A back six making it nearly impossible to stretch them wide, a compact block shutting down the center, and a constant threat on the counter—I need to find a way to stretch them vertically. I need someone who can make runs, time and time again.
Bayern’s Structural Issues
The biggest issue for Bayern? Their inability to progress through Leverkusen’s press. When Tella stayed high, allowing Wirtz to drop, Bayern’s response was both Kane and Musiala also dropping deep.
With wingers either pushed back in defensive situations or taking on their central roles to push Leverkusen backline, we lost our width and not that we could properly use it.
Basically, we simply invited in their press with no real outlet to break through and a lack of width with only Laimer trying to maintain us wide enough.
It was the wrong game for Kane to keep drifting back—this was a match where he needed to win headers, hold up long balls, and earn free kicks to relieve pressure and give Bayern a foothold but also a target upfront for long balls.
Leverkusen were also smart with how they handled contacts. Since the referee was calling all their soft fouls, they leaned into it—aggressive yet subtle, falling at every bit of contact to break Bayern’s rhythm. Fouls whenever they lost duels and constantly protesting.
Bayern’s winger setup didn’t offer much flexibility for a Plan B, but there was still a clear need to congest central areas more effectively. Or use Gnabry/Goretzka as a second striker, tasked with constantly making runs while Musiala takes on the LW role.
In the end, it wasn’t a loss—but it was a masterclass from Alonso and a good game for Bayern to analyse and learn from. You might face similar situations in the UCL, teams will look to learn from this Leverkusen performance and you need to be able to find proper responses.
Musiala, Upamecano, Davies, and Kimmich are key to our transitions, but we need more from the rest—Kane first and foremost, Olise and the other wingers too. Plus, someone off the bench has to exploit the space behind backlines because Harry Kane can’t.
I can handle seeing us pinned inside our own box, it happens but I can’t handle seeing Bayern incapable of breaking out because we have no real outlet, you need to be creative since you sent Tel on loan.