Bayern Munich's clash with Bayer Leverkusen is a critical match but not a title decider, states Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso. With Bayern holding an eight-point lead, Alonso emphasizes the need for a near-perfect performance against the dominant Bavarians to keep their title hopes alive.

Could this be the game that decides the Bundesliga title? Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen host Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich on Saturday for a game which pits the German league's top teams and their acclaimed coaches,

It feels like a lost opportunity for Bayern Munich. On Wednesday, the Rekordmeister beat Scottish giants Celtic 2-1 thanks to goals by Michael Olise (45’) and Harry Kane (49’). Although it is a win ahead of the return leg, the 79th-minute strike by Daizen Maeda means Bayern still has work to do at the Allianz Arena next week.

Bayern Munich narrowly avoided a shaky start to the game, as Nicholas Kühn, a former Bayern II player as fate would have it, saw his curling left footed goal ruled out after teammate, Adam Idah, blocked Manuel Neuer’s field of view from an offside position.