Merciless and brutal: Invincible Bayern dismantle Leipzig

With brutal ruthlessness, FC Bayern more than saved their dream of an invincible season in the top match at RB Leipzig. Led by superstar Harry Kane and international Serge Gnabry, the Munich side turned around a 1-0 deficit in a high-class Bundesliga thriller to triumph impressively 5-1 (0-1) in the end.

In front of 47,800 spectators in a sold-out Leipzig stadium, Romulo (20th minute) took advantage of one of Leipzig's numerous chances to take the lead. It all looked like a victorious revenge for the 6-0 defeat in Leipzig's Bundesliga history in the first leg.

But then everything turned out differently: Gnabry (50) and Kane (67) scored ice-cold goals after individual mistakes by the Saxons. Jonathan Tah (67), Aleksandar Pavlovic (83) and Michael Olise (88) completed the dismantling of the chasing pack in 21 minutes.

New like Beckenbauer

Before the spectacle began, however, it was time for a little emotion. Bayern international Jamal Musiala was back in the squad for the first time since suffering a fractured fibula last July. Captain Manuel Neuer, who had never lost to Leipzig before, played his 584th competitive match for Bayern, according to league figures, and drew level with Franz Beckenbauer.

At Leipzig, Kevin Kampl was sent off before kick-off after eight-and-a-half years, with Benjamin Henrichs' name on the line-up sheet. The international had ruptured his Achilles tendon in the 5-1 defeat in Munich on December 20, 2024 - and is now back.

Leipzig's proliferation of chances

Leipzig piled the pressure on Bayern, who had just completed the best first half of a Bundesliga season on Wednesday. There was to be no 6-0 defeat like in the first leg on Saturday evening. With a little luck, Leipzig could have scored three goals after ten minutes alone. But Christoph Baumgartner's (3rd) shot flew just over, Romulo (5th) failed to beat Neuer from a few meters, and Antonio Nusa (7th) pushed the ball past the empty goal.

Then Bayern came into the game. Luis Diaz's long-range shot (11) was too central and therefore too harmless. After sprinting halfway across the pitch, Lennart Karl (14) evidently lacked the strength to precisely serve Diaz, who was completely free in the penalty area.

Suddenly Kane is there

Leipzig continued at a tremendous pace - and were rewarded. David Raum took off down the left wing into the Bayern penalty area, crossed and Romulo was quicker to the ball than Jonathan Tah. The Brazilian celebrated his sixth league goal and his family, who had come all the way from home, joined in the celebrations in the stands.

Nusa (24) had the second goal for the Saxons on his feet towards the end of a fast-paced 30 minutes. The Norwegian raced in alone towards Neuer, but - somewhat hastily - fired the ball over the goal. Those who don't take their chances against Bayern usually get their reward. Shortly before half-time, RB goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi (39) prevented this with a daring save from the onrushing Kane.

Kompany brings on Kimmich

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany reacted, bringing on the recently injured Joshua Kimmich for Leon Goretzka after the half-time break. And the receipt came. Baumgartner received a pass in midfield sloppily, Dayot Upamecano won the ball and passed directly to Gnabry. The 30-year-old finished dryly into the far corner.

Bayern now pressed for the lead. Michael Olise replaced Karl to provide even more pressure down the right wing. First it was Kane and Kimmich (60') who failed with a double chance. At the other end, Neuer parried a shot from Romulo (65').

Individual class was to decide the game - or individual mistakes. After a cross from Olise, Ridle Baku slipped in the penalty area and Kane, who was guarded by him, mercilessly thumped the ball into the net. Yan Diomande's through-ball (72') was superbly saved by Neuer.

Bayern were simply merciless and inflicted another defeat on Leipzig. After a corner, Tah made everything clear - and Leipzig twice ran into an open net. Pavlovic and Olise both scored within a few minutes after a counterattack.