Chapter 585: Chapter 585 Two Points Apart
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[BayArena | 06/06/2020 | Matchday 30]
The BayArena stood silent beneath the afternoon sun, its crimson panels glowing faintly against the empty concourses. No supporters thronged the approaches, no chants echoed through Leverkusen’s industrial heart. Instead, only the flutter of banners and the hum of broadcast trucks filled the air.
The Bundesliga’s title race had distilled into this moment: second-placed Bayer Leverkusen hosting league leaders Bayern Munich. Inside the socially distanced Sky Sports studio, the broadcast began with Kate Abdo’s clear voice cutting crisply through the air. "Good evening and welcome to the BayArena, where tonight it’s number one against number two in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich, two points clear at the top on seventy points, face Bayer Leverkusen on sixty-eight. For Peter Bosz’s side, this is more than a match—it’s a chance to keep their title hopes alive. For Bayern, it’s a chance to slam the door shut."
On the screen behind her, graphics rolled off the Bundesliga table: Bayern at 70, Leverkusen at 68, Dortmund at 66. "With six games left after tonight, the margins couldn’t be finer. But one thing is certain—this is the game the whole of Germany has been waiting for." Kate added as the camera shifted to her analysts, seated two meters apart at the desk.
Lothar Matthäus leaned forward, hands clasped, as his aura quite literally showed through the lens. "Bayern are Bayern. They’ve won every game since the restart, they’re scoring goals, and Lewandowski quite literally looks untouchable right now. But Leverkusen also have weapons— Diaby, Bailey, Havertz when fit. The question is: can they keep their heads? Because if you make mistakes against Bayern, they punish you immediately."
Owen Hargreaves also nodded. "And for me, Lothar, it’s about match control. Bosz plays with a high line, pressing very aggressively, but look at Bayern’s pace with Gnabry, with Davies flying from left-back, and of course Lewandowski’s movement—it’s a dangerous gamble. They have proven that they can beat the defending champion in the away clash, now it’s time for them to do the same when the pressure is on them."
Kate gestured toward the tactical graphic that appeared on the studio’s big screen, showing Leverkusen’s 3-4-3 against Bayern’s 4-2-3-1. "And speaking of discipline, let’s talk about team news. Derek Rae and Stewart Robson are at the BayArena—Derek, Stewart, talk us through the line-ups."
The feed cut to an overhead shot of the empty BayArena pitch. Derek’s voice resounded through the broadcast a second later due to the time lag. "Thank you, Kate. Yes, here’s how the teams will line up this afternoon. Bayer Leverkusen, in their familiar 3-4-3: Lukas Hrádecký in goal; Dragović, Bender, and Tapsoba as the back three; Amiri and Bailey working the flanks with Aránguiz and Baumgartlinger in central midfield. Up front, Diaby and Bellarabi will flank Lucas Alario, who gets the nod as the central striker."
Steward Robson added his two cents. "And notice who’s on the bench, Derek. Rakim Rex, who has been in the starting eleven recently, misses out today. Reports from insiders say Bosz has been critical of his form in training this week, and after a frustrating game in Freiburg, it’s no surprise he starts among the substitutes."
Derek picked up where he left off. "Yes, a bold call—perhaps necessary, though one might question whether it’s fair given how much productivity he has provided this season." He took a pause, letting his words sink in before moving on. "One younstar’s trouble is another man’s opportunity. Bailey will be looking to make use of this opportunity to cement his position."
Robson picked up the conversation. "Now, Bayern Munich, lining up as expected in their 4-2-3-1: Manuel Neuer in goal; Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, and Davies across the back; Kimmich and Goretzka anchoring midfield; Coman, Müller, and Gnabry supporting Robert Lewandowski, who leads the line as always."
Derek’s tone turned analytical as the Bayern XI flashed across the broadcast graphic. "It’s exactly what you’d expect from Hansi Flick—this is a well-oiled machine. The danger, Derek, is everywhere. Müller’s movement between the lines, Coman and Gnabry attacking the flanks, Lewandowski ready to finish from any angle. And then you’ve got Alphonso Davies, who at times looks like a winger extraordinair."
Robson let his cadence rise; the gravity of the clash was reflected in his voice. "It is, Stewart, the very definition of a heavyweight clash. Top against second, champions-elect against hopeful challengers, and all of it in this most unusual of atmospheres—empty stands."
The camera panned to the players warming up on the pitch. Some were going through ladder drill with both sides’ keepers saving shots from their trainers, testing their reaction. Others played in rondos, trying to awaken their touch and feel for the game.
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Back in the studio, Kate Abdo returned to tie the strands together. "So, gentlemen, the question remains: can Leverkusen really match Bayern toe-to-toe today? We’ve spoken about their tactical bravery, but also their vulnerabilities."
Lothar Matthäus responded first. "For me, they must be brave, yes, but also intelligent. You cannot let yourself be lulled into Bayern’s rhythm; they press high, and if you lose the ball cheaply, you will pay. But—Leverkusen have pace. If Diaby or Bailey get in behind, they can cause big problems. The first goal will be massive."
Owen Hargreaves leaned slightly closer to his mic. "And one thing we have to remember, Kate—this is still a young Leverkusen side." He continued, his tone sharpened by the gravity of the fixture. "A young side, Kate, but also an ambitious one, and they more than deserved to walk away with silverware this season."
Lothar Matthäus leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "For me, you look at Bayern’s bench, and you look at Leverkusen’s, and that’s where the difference lies. Bayern can bring on Thiago, Perišić, and Coutinho—world-class options. For Leverkusen, yes, they have Havertz recovering, Rex, and Wirtz on the bench, but the depth is not the same. If Bosz is going to win tonight, his starting XI must deliver."
Kate turned to Owen Hargreaves. "Owen, you’ve played in both England and Germany. How do you see the psychology of a game like this, especially under these lockdown conditions?"
Owen tilted his head slightly, thoughtful. "It’s surreal, Kate. You don’t have the crowd to ride the momentum swings, no wall of noise to drown the nerves. Everything comes down to self-motivation and discipline. Bayern are used to having to obtain results no matter what—they’re ruthless professionals. For Leverkusen, the question is whether these young players can generate their own energy and drive in a silent stadium. That’s harder than it looks."
The director cut back to Derek Rae and Stewart Robson in the gantry. Rae’s timbre carried a gravitas suited to the moment. "Thank you, Kate. The teams are just finishing their warm-ups here at the BayArena, and you can sense—even without fans—the magnitude of what’s to come. Bayern Munich leads by two points. Leverkusen trails by two. Victory tonight changes the landscape of the title race; a draw would be unacceptable to the home side."
Robson added with his trademark pragmatism: "Yes, Derek, and don’t forget—Leverkusen already beat Bayern earlier this season at the Allianz. That result gives them belief. But this is a very different Bayern side now—Flick has them playing with supreme confidence. Leverkusen will have to be perfect."
~~~
[Studio Return | 15 Minutes to Kickoff]
Kate Abdo’s tone sharpened as the final pre-match graphic appeared behind her. "So, gentlemen, predictions. Lothar—who takes this one?"
Matthäus smiled cheekily at the camera before speaking. "It will be close, but Bayern have too much experience, too much quality. I see them winning 2–1."
Kate shifted. "Owen?"
Owen hesitated, then nodded. "I think Leverkusen can surprise. If Diaby or Bailey get free early, if they score first, then Bayern will be tested. But... if I’m honest, Bayern edge it—1–0, maybe 2–1."
Kate leaned forward slightly, eyes catching the camera lens. "Well, there you have it. Pundits leaning toward Bayern, but don’t rule out Bayer Leverkusen—the wild card of this Bundesliga season. Stay with us as the players head to the tunnel. After the break, we bring you live coverage of Bayer Leverkusen versus Bayern Munich, top versus second, here at the BayArena."
The theme music swelled as the camera panned one final time to the players marching back toward the dressing rooms, studs clattering on the concrete tunnel, looking the epitome of focus.
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To Be Continued...