Lothar is puzzled:

“Is that Leverkusen’s claim?”

Lothar Matthäus was not exactly enthusiastic about Leverkusen's style of play.(Bild: AFP/APA/MICHAELA STACHE)

"Is that Leverkusen's claim?" Lothar Matthäus expressed his astonishment on Saturday during the top match in the German Bundesliga between Bayern and Leverkusen in his role as "Sky" co-commentator.

The reason: the completely untypical Leverkusen style of play. Shortly before the end of the game, "Sky" commentator Wolff-Christoph Fuss chased a very clear (interim) statistic into the German-speaking TV world. 67 percent ball possession; 62 percent of duels won; goal-shot ratio: 16:2. The (significantly) higher parameters were, of course, attributable to FC Bayern. Leverkusen, the reigning German champions, were primarily preoccupied with stonewalling.

"Xabi Alonso's claim?"
To the incomprehension of co-commentator Lothar Matthäus. "Is that Bayer Leverkusen's claim?" he frowned: "From a Xabi Alonso? Not to let Bayern into the penalty area?"

+2

Fotos

No Bayern unfolding
Yes, it seemed a very pragmatic approach that Alonso had chosen for the game against Bayern. But not an entirely unsuccessful one. Bayern dropped points for the first time this season in the 1-1 draw. Even Lothar could see something positive in that. "Yes, Leverkusen were very strong in defense today - they had been accused of defensive weaknesses recently. Nevertheless, that can't be Leverkusen's claim. However, they didn't allow Bayern to develop as much in attack today as they have in recent weeks."