The Bundesliga returned after the winter break with a draw between Leipzig and Bayern

The German Bundesliga is back after the World Cup and the winter break. Its opening match in 2023 was a Round of 16 clash between Leipzig, who were third before the match, and Bayern Munich, the table leaders. The clash between the participants in the upcoming spring phase of the Champions League ended in a 1-1 draw.

Friday night at the Red Bull Arena opened with a minute’s applause in memory of the late Brazilian legend Pelé. After that, the 47,000-seat stadium’s packed stands heard the opening whistle, after which the football was initially quite cautious.

Nevertheless, already in the eighth minute Bayern had a great chance. Gnabry’s shot from the left side was crossed by one of the defending players to the far post of Janis Blaswich’s goal. Gradually the pace of the match improved, but it didn’t bring many shooting opportunities.

The home side got their first threat to the goal, which was guarded by the new Bavarian goalkeeper Yann Sommer, in the 22nd minute. However, the Swiss goalkeeper had no trouble with Forsberg’s attempt.

After half an hour, the visitors scored, but not for long. Before Goretzka’s successful header, the referee saw an offside by de Ligt, which was subsequently confirmed by VAR.

In the 37th minute, Bayern did take the lead. Serge Gnabry sent a precise centre from the left into the small area, where Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting headed the ball into the net.

52. a minute later, Leipzig equalised at 1:1, as Dominik Szoboszlai’s header ended the onslaught and his attempt was headed into the net from close range by Marcel Halstenberg.

In the 65th minute, the home side claimed the sending off of Dayot Upamecan, who fouled the escaping Szoboszlai. Although the French stopper was probably the last defender, head referee Siebert only showed him a yellow card.

The decisive shot was not scored despite the attacking activity and interesting action by both teams, and so these leading teams in Germany’s top football competition shared the points. The ongoing round of the Bundesliga continues this weekend with eight matches remaining.

Source: Bundesliga