Bayern Munich finish with nine men in 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen

LEVERKUSEN: Bayern Munich managed to secure a 1-1 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, despite being reduced to nine men in a dramatic Bundesliga encounter.

The match at the BayArena saw Leverkusen take an early lead in the sixth minute. Spain midfielder Aleix Garcia completed a well-worked team move, receiving a pass from Patrik Schick before chipping the ball over Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.

Bayern responded with pressure and appeared to have equalised through former Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for handball. The visitors’ situation worsened when striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off before half-time, leaving Bayern with ten men.

Despite the setback, Bayern managed to level the score. Luis Diaz found the net, but his fortunes changed when he received a second yellow card for simulation in the penalty area, reducing Bayern to nine players.

Leverkusen pressed for a winner and had two goals ruled out in stoppage time. Bayern substitute Harry Kane also saw his effort disallowed by VAR for handball in what was described as a sometimes manic contest.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s comfortable home victory over Augsburg allowed them to close the gap at the top of the table. Dortmund now trail reigning champions Bayern by nine points, with eight matches remaining in the Bundesliga season.