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Bayern Munich vs. Leverkusen

Thomas Klein / alDecember 5, 2014

The highlight of Matchday 14 is undoubtedly Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen, first versus third. Ahead of the game, Bayern coach Pep Guardiola says he's looking forward to going toe-to-toe with Roger Schmidt.

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Bayern Munich players celebrate
Image: Reuters/M. Dalder

Bayern Munich are dominating German football even more than usual lately. They still haven't lost in the Bundesliga this season, have conceded just three goals in thirteen matches and as far as the team's star goalkeeper is concerned, Ballon d'Or nominee Manuel Neuer, things should continue that way against Leverkusen on Saturday.

"We don't want to give away anything", said Neuer ahead of the game. Leverkusen, along with Dortmund, are one of only two teams who have managed to win at the Allianz Arena in the last two years. That was back in October 2012, when the Pharmaceuticals won 2-1 in Munich.

"It's a top game," said Bayern coach Pep Guardiola. "When two teams play against each other that like to attack, it's always a spectacle."

Ahead of this year's match up, both coaches have been full of praise for each other.

Trainer Pep Guardiola Roger Schmidt
Guardiola witnessed Schmidt's playing style back when Red Bull Salzburg journeyed to Munich in January 2014Image: picture alliance/M.i.S.-Sportpressefoto

'I'm a big, big fan'

"He is very good for football. His first thoughts are always to attack," Guardiola said of Schmidt. "I am a big, big fan of the coach and the way that they play. They always play his way."

Schmidt's previous team Red Bull Salzburg beat Bayern 3-0 in Austria last season in a friendly. Since then, Guardiola has often spoken of Schmidt in glowing tones. Guardiola expects that Leverkusen will utilise "offensive pressing" in Munich, he says.

Schmidt himself seems to be going into the match in high spirits. "We need to believe in our way of playing. The things that we can do well, we need to do against Bayern too. I'm optimistic that we can create scoring chances."

"It's easy preparing against us, because we always try to play our game," Schmidt added. "But Bayern isn't used to playing against teams that focus on pressing. We have to sprint and keep attacking until we can't stand up, then we can surprise them."

Leverkusen's ups and downs

Despite all the pre-game talk, Leverkusen are only outsiders to get a win against Bayern, on current form. They might be on a three-game undefeated streak, but they are still inconsistent at times and their defending has been shaky too, due to their attacking style of play.

Lars Bender, Ömer Toprak and Stefan Kiessling are fit and ready to return to the team, giving the side a much-needed boost.

No matter what the result, Guardiola is certain that the game will be entertaining for the sell out crowd. "It's a top, top game. The fans will be satisfied. We are going to put in a top performance to get the win."