Bayern’s moment of truth

Bavaria based Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich host league leaders Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, in what is being touted as the “game of the season” by their general manager Uli Hoeness.

Bayern, eighth in the league, will have to go all guns blazing knowing that only a win could redeem their faltering start to the season.

Meanwhile, their opponents are rolling on at full throttle as they remain undefeated in the league, being three points clear at the top, six points ahead of Bayern and have the best defensive record – having conceded only eight goals in 12 rounds.

Even if the FCB manage to win on Sunday, it would only reduce the arrears at the top to just three points and a possible second position in the table if results elsewhere go their way.

And stand-in goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt admits his side cannot afford to slip up again.

“There can be no excuses – Leverkusen is a direct rival, we are playing at home and we have got to win,” the former Leverkusen player told his club’s website.

Leverkusen have not managed to get the better of Bayern since 1989 and Butt knows exactly how that feels as he was in their goal for six years, but he claims to have no more real ties with his former club.

“I think back to my time with Leverkusen fondly, but Sunday’s game is no longer all that important for me,” he added.

“There are no longer many players there from my time.”

However, Leverkusen’s new coach Jupp Heynckes feels his team can secure all three points as they travel to Munich in confident mood.

“Why shouldn’t we win in Munich?” he asked.

The arrival of Henyckes and former Liverpool defender Sami Hyppia, has seen the side turn into a team who can genuinely aim for the title this season.

A win in Munich, would further consolidate the title credentials of the Leverkusen-based side who have yet to lift league title.