About a year ago, Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen ended in a 2-2 draw-a result apart from being the best match of the 23/24 Bundesliga season, it basically sealed Bayer's championship ambitions.

Great defense by Bayer. One could have almost wondered if they were this good in defense. Meanwhile, Bayer managed an accumulated total of just one completed action in Bayern's half all game, and it was a very well-designed set piece.

It is, of course, pertinent to mention something so regular, which we often miss in the chorus of laudation for Bayer. Their German miracle march took place well, at a time when Bayern were demonstrably struggling. How much they were struggling, was something one could only tell today, when this is the Bayern.

That's where the most fantastic beauty in football often resides: in people who, to the conventional mind, would not be considered beautiful-Maradona, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta-dancing stools, Musiala and Olise, in their own particular way, come off as ballet dancers.

Mark Nelson

@marknelson