Bayern and Leverkusen win
October 2, 2013
Defending champions Bayern Munich faced perhaps their toughest test under coach Pep Guardiola on Wednesday, traveling to England to face Manchester City. Or so it seemed, until the action began.
Within seven minutes, Franck Ribery gave Bayern the lead with a right-footed shot from distance. City goalie Joe Hart, England's first choice, looked distinctly unimpressive as he was beaten low at his near post.
Bayern dominated the first half, especially in terms of possession of the ball, but had to wait until after the break to stretch their lead.
Müller instead of Mandzukic
German international Thomas Müller, unusually playing up front for the Bavarians, added a second ten minutes after halftime. David Alaba released Müller with a long cross-field pass, the German beat Hart to the bouncing ball and stroked it into an ultimately open net.
Four minutes later, with an hour played, winger Arjen Robben added a third for Pep Guardiola's side - unusually scoring with his weaker right foot.
Bayern nevertheless conspired to cast something of a late pall over their splendid showing. First, Man City substitute striker Alvaro Negredo put a wicked curling shot past goalie Manuel Neuer, securing a consolation goal that went in off the post.
And shortly before the final whistle, defender Jerome Boateng was sent off for Bayern for a professional foul preventing a clear shooting chance for City. As a result, the center back will miss at least one Champions League match.
Leverkusen win it at the last
Like Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen dominated the first half against their Basque opponents, Real Sociedad. Coach Sami Hyypia's side was rewarded with a goal moments before the end of the first period.
Captain Simon Rolfes, who scored in the Bundesliga at the weekend and in Leverkusen's last Champions League match, again found the net with his head - converting a free kick crossed in by Sidney Sam.
In the second half, however, Leverkusen loosened their grip on the game. Sociedad began to put the hosts under pressure, eventually tying the score.
Carlos Vela won a penalty for Sociedad after a tackle from Leverkusen defender Roberto Hilbert. Vela stepped up and took the spot kick himself, but Leverkusen goalie Bernd Leno saved his initial shot. However, Leno could only parry the ball, and Vela followed in to score on the rebound.
Having lost to Manchester United, a win was vital for Leverkusen in their first Champions League game on home turf.
The unlikeliest source, substitute Jens Hegeler, delivered the three points in stoppage time. Hegeler curled a spectacular free kick into the top corner with his right foot, on his first ever appearance in the Champions League.
Bayern and Leverkusen, currently second and third in the German Bundesliga table, meet each other in the league on Saturday.