- Honours even in exciting draw
- Kane hits 300th career goal
- Both sides tune up for European matches in midweek.
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen served up a thrilling encounter as Harry Kane notched his 300th career club goal. Both teams went into the match with a 100% record, with Leverkusen topping the table on goal difference.
Kane, in scintillating form, headed in his fourth goal in as many Bundesliga matches. However, Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo responded with a stunning free-kick, burying the ball into the top corner to level the score.
With just four minutes remaining, Leon Goretzka seemed to secure a late victory for Bayern, capitalising on Mathys Tel’s precise pass. Yet, Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios had other plans. In injury time, he confidently converted a penalty, awarded after a VAR review, rescuing a point for his team.
As the game neared its conclusion, Dayot Upamecano believed he had sealed the deal for Bayern with a last-gasp strike. Unfortunately, the goal was disallowed for offside.
Kane’s close-range opener not only set the stage for the match but also etched his name in the record books. He became the first Bayern player since Miroslav Klose in 2007 to score four goals in his initial four Bundesliga appearances.
This milestone elevates Kane’s illustrious career, with 280 goals for Tottenham, nine for Millwall, five for Leyton Orient, four for Bayern, and two for Leicester. The draw meant both Bayern and Leverkusen relinquished their perfect starts to the season but maintained their unbeaten records.
Bayern host Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday while Leverkusen also have a home tie in the Europa League on Thursday, when they welcome
BK Häcken.
Betting Implications
Bayern are heavy favourites to win the Bundesliga for the 12th year in a row. However, Leverkusen have started the season extremely well and, in the early stages, Bayern have not had things all their own way. They sit in second place, behind Leverkusen on goal difference and were forced to settle for a point at home to the current leaders.
Bettors need to monitor Leverkusen’s performances, and decide whether they can be a threat to Bayern in the long term and whether they can challenge for the Europa League.
Bayern, who now have a natural goalscorer leading the line with Kane in their ranks, look strong and bettors need to decide if they think they can continue to dominate domestically and whether they can make a serious challenge for the Champions League.
BetUK, at the time of writing, have Bayern at 1/5 to win the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig 10/1, Leverkusen 12/1 and Borussia Dortmund 14/1.
For the Champions League Bayern are second favourites behind Manchester City and ahead of Real Madrid. Currently bet365 have them priced at 11/2.
Leverkusen are currently priced at 20/1 to win the Europa League with bet365. Liverpool are the current favourites at 7/2.
Odds are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
Check out the best Bundesliga betting sites.