Bayern Munich have undergone a transformation in recent seasons, driven by their European struggles and the end of their 11-year long Bundesliga reign. The arrival of manager Vincent Kompany represents a new era of Bavarian football. While Bayern remain vulnerable defensively- especially with Dayot Upamecano in the backline- their attacking prowess compensates for it, especially with Kompany’s style of play.

The Bayern of old had an iconic wide duo in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry. Their current crop- Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala- shows similar promise, complemented by the blistering pace of Alphonso Davies and the finishing prowess of Harry Kane. Leverkusen had no answers, especially after Nordi Mukiele’s rash challenge earned him a second yellow. Kane sealed the tie with a 75th-minute penalty, and despite some early scares- most notably Jeremy Frimpong failing to convert after an Upamecano error- Bayern controlled the match. If not for a few near-misses, the scoreline could have been even harsher for Xabi Alonso’s side.

This result shows what Bayern Munich are capable of, but until their backline becomes more resolute, better equipped teams in the later stages of this tournament will run rampant.