Slick Bayer Leverkusen see off depleted Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen climbed to third in the Bundesliga table courtesy of a 2-0 victory against a lacklustre Bayern Munich shorn of many first team stars.

Bayern were already without the injured Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski before the match and fielded an experimental side with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.

And the changes predictably came back to bite them, an excellent Hakan Calhanoglu free kick putting them ahead before substitute Julian Brandt finished of another slick move to smash hoe past Manuel Neuer.

Bayern were not without chances themselves but Mario Goetze spurned two golden chances when through against the keeper, Claudio Pizzaro doing likewise.

The result means that Leverkusen climb a point above Borussia Moenchengladbach although their rivals before next week’s crucial clash.

6’ – GOETZE CLOSE: The striker’s shot swerves in the air and forces Leo to parry clear.

11’ – BAYER GOAL RULED OUT: It’s a great ball from Calhanoglu to find Kiessling and he is celebrating heading it into the net before he sees the flag raised. Replays suggest he was onside.

27’ – GLORIOUS CHANCE GOETZE: He times his run perfectly to latch onto a lovely ball from Gaudino. He takes it around Leno but Jedvaj gets back to block his shot.

48’ – GOOD SAVE LENO: He comes off his line quickly to close down Pizarro and block his shot.

55’ – GOAL! Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Bayern Munich: A glorious dead ball strike from Calhanoglu gives Manuel Neuer no chance.

76’ – GREAT CHANCE GOETZE: Another one-on-one situation spurned as Leno saves again.

81’ – GOAL! Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Bayern Munich: Bellarabi rolls it into Brandt, who fires home past Neuer.

Julian Brandt scores his third goal in as many games.

No side has had more shots on goal against Bayern than Bayer’s 15.

Manuel Neuer still needs one clean sheet.

The worst time to face Barca? Despite fielding a second string line-up, this defeat will surely be a dent to Bayern’s confidence, especially as they already face Barcelona without key players.

Hakan Calhanoglu (Bayern Munich). Is there any better dead ball striker in the world at the moment? His cracker paved the way for victory.

Bayer Leverkusen: Leno 7, Hilbert 6, Toprak 6, Jedvaj 7, Wendell 6, Reinartz 7, Rolfes 6, Bellarabi 7, Son 6, Calhanoglu 8, Kiessling 6. SUBS: Drmic 6, Brandt 7, Yurchenko 6.

Neuer 6, Dante 6, Martinez 6, Rafinha 6, Pizarro 6, Gaudino 6, Goetze 5, Lahm 6, Weiser 6, Schweinsteiger 6, Strieder 6. SUBS: Benatia 6, Thiago 6, Görtler 6.