On matchday 15 of the Bundesliga season, Bayern Munich brought down the curtain on 2024 with a resounding 5-1 victory over RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena. This victory not only allowed Bayern to move to 36 points, but also opened up a seven-point lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, at least until the following day when Leverkusen hosted Freiburg.
The match kicked off with an electrifying start, as Bayern scored just 30 seconds after the whistle through Jamal Musiala. This was quickly answered by Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, leveling the score just one minute later. Despite this momentary setback, Bayern dominated the rest of the match.
Following the equalizer, Bayern took control, with Konrad Laimer volleying the ball home to restore the lead at 2-1 just before the half-hour mark. Laimer's goal was particularly significant as it marked his first Bundesliga goal for Bayern after moving from Leipzig. Joshua Kimmich stretched the lead to 3-1 with a long-range strike before halftime, showcasing Bayern's offensive potency.
Although Leipzig attempted to press forward at the beginning of the second half, the energy soon waned. Bayern’s counterattacks proved continually effective, making it clear they were the more driven team on the night. Leroy Sané scored Bayern’s fourth goal around the 75-minute mark, and just three minutes later, Alphonso Davies—returning from injury—sealed the rout with the fifth goal.
Bayern's quality was underscored by their ability to create chances, with some observers remarking they might have scored even more if their finishing had been sharper.
Leipzig, on the other hand, appeared bereft of ideas and execution. Coach Marco Rose faced scrutiny as performance issues raised questions about his position, especially against a rival with whom his team should have contested more closely. Former Bundesliga champions Leipzig's struggles have been evident, showing a stark decline from the start of the season, vividly contrasted by Bayern's commanding presence.
After the match, Laimer reflected on the importance of the victory, stating, "It was a very important victory against a good team. The victory was more or less never endangered. We will enjoy the coming days even more now," emphasizing the need for confidence heading toward the winter break.
Meanwhile, Rose of Leipzig acknowledged the grim nature of the result, saying, "We lost a football match but other things have happened as well. The result appears in a very different light," hinting at the contextual pressures surrounding the team's performance.
Adding to the evening's somber note, the post-match celebration was altered due to the tragic attack at the Magdeburg Christmas market, resulting in the observance of a minute's silence before what would have been various festive ceremonies. Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen observed, "This ceremony should have been joyful but..." reflecting upon the horrific events impacting the evening.
Bayern Munich's decisive win caps off the year on a high note, leaving them comfortably at the top of the Bundesliga table. After this dominant performance, they will enter the winter break with renewed momentum and confidence. Looking forward, Bayern will face Borussia Mönchengladbach as the Bundesliga resumes, trying to maintain their commanding lead, whereas Leipzig will have to confront the reality of their faltering form to get back on track.
