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'No stupid fouls': Bayern fear Grimaldo's free kicks as Hjulmand's men take on champions

Alejandro Grimaldo has already scored four free-kicks this season
Alejandro Grimaldo has already scored four free-kicks this seasonRalf Treese/Defodi Images / Zuma Press / Profimedia

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has a very simple recipe against the free-kick skills of Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo. "I just hope that there are no dangerous free-kicks," said Kompany with a smile ahead of the top clash in the Bundesliga against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday evening.

"The truth is that if we limit stupid fouls, he might not have an incredible free-kick day, and the goalkeeper can help us in these situations. That's all you can do," added the Belgian coach.

Alejandro Grimaldo is regarded as one of the most dangerous free-kick specialists in Europe. Of his seven goals this season, the left-back from Spain has already scored four times from free-kicks, including during Wednesday's 4-2 win in the German cup against 2. Bundesliga outfit SC Paderborn.

Manuel Neuer, who will return in goal for the league leaders after a two-game break, will also be called upon to play for Bayern. The 39-year-old was suspended in the German Cup in Cologne where the reigning champions won 4-1 and where he was replaced by Jonas Urbig. The 22-year-old had already been granted a chance to shine in the league against Mönchengladbach where Bayern won 3-0.

Match centre: Bayern vs. Leverkusen

"Remains an absolute top match"

After a mixed start to the season under new coach Kasper Hjulmand, Kompany believes Bayer 04 Leverkusen - who knocked Bayern off the championship throne in 2024 - are back on the right track."They've picked up 16 out of a possible 18 points in the Bundesliga under the new coach. That means they're back in top form and are capable of scoring goals," emphasised Kompany on Friday.

Bayer may have "lost a lot of talent during their summer reorganisation, but they have also bought talent, and you can't underestimate that. This remains an absolute top game in the Bundesliga." Leverkusen are, however, already seven points behind the record champions after eight games.

Bayern have a chance to extend their European record of 14 wins to date. Their last competitive defeat came on 5 July in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Bayern Munich at absolute peak of form
Bayern Munich at absolute peak of formFlashscore

Munich face PSG again on Tuesday in the league phase of the Champions League. Bayern last defeat in the Bundesliga was on 8 March against VfL Bochum (2-3).