The high-stakes clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich took an explosive turn as striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off, reducing the visitors to 10 men. Vincent Kompany’s side faced a nightmare opening at the BayArena as Leverkusen took the lead before Jackson's reckless challenge. Then, after the Bundesliga champions pulled level through Luis Diaz, the Colombian received a second yellow card as the game ended 1-1.

Harry Kane has been forced to settle for a place on the bench for the second consecutive match. Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has opted to stick with Nicolas Jackson for the high-stakes Bundesliga showdown against Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has jumped to the defence of Nicolas Jackson after the Chelsea loanee was overlooked for penalty duties during the 4-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach. With talismanic striker Harry Kane sidelined through injury, Jackson returned to the starting line-up for the first time since January, putting in a performance that suggested he is finding his feet in Bavaria despite a difficult start to life in the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has been quizzed on Nicolas Jackson's future at the club amid speculation he will return to Chelsea at the end of the season. Jackson moved to the Bavarian giants on a season-long loan in the summer but his contract includes a buy option. However, it has been reported that Bayern do not plan to sign Jackson permanently and that he will head back to the Blues at the end of the season.

Nicolas Jackson has gone viral on social media after the Bayern Munich loanee shared a video of himself walking through snow in the German city. The 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has scored five goals in 22 appearances for the Bundesliga giants this season after moving on a season-long loan, largely being reduced to a back-up role behind star striker Harry Kane.