SAN FRANCISCO, December 06, (THEWILL) – Thomas Muller made sure Bayern Munich salvaged a thrilling 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig as the German champions held onto their place at the top of the Bundesliga.
Hans-Dieter Flick’s charges came from behind to lead after Manuel Neuer’s mistake gifted Christopher Nkunku the opener, with substitute Jamal Musiala and Muller scoring in the space of four first-half minutes.
Left winger Justin Kluivert responded rapidly and his first Bundesliga goal sent the teams into the break level, before striker Emil Forsberg’s header looked set to send Leipzig to the summit.
But, Leipzig relaxed and allowed Muller to connect with a cross from the impressive Kingsley Coman with 15 minutes remaining, and with just one point enough to ensure Bayern remained on top.
After central attacking midfielder James Marcel Sabitzer struck the crossbar, Nkunku put Leipzig ahead when Neuer raced out of his box but failed to beat the Frenchman to Forsberg’s throughball and left him with a vacant net to pass into.
Javi Martinez was forced off with a muscular injury but his replacement Musiala arrowed in an equaliser five minutes after coming off the bench, giving Peter Gulacsi no chance after the Leipzig goalkeeper had produced a phenomenal save to keep Benjamin Pavard’s sublime half-volley out of the top-right corner.
A quickfire second saw Bayern take the lead in the 34th minute when Muller sent Coman’s pass beyond Gulacsi at his near post.
However, they were only in front for 81 seconds, with Kluivert picking out the bottom-left corner after being played onside by Jerome Boateng. Leipzig regained the lead within three minutes of the restart, Forsberg left in plenty of space to head Angelino’s cross past Neuer.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side looked to soak up the pressure and see out the win, but they were undone when Coman again picked out Muller for a header that Gulacsi could not keep out.
Bayern, who are guaranteed to top their Champions League group next host Lokomotiv Moscow in their final game before the knockouts on Wednesday, while Leipzig need to win at home against Manchester United to guarantee their progression 24 hours prior.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
