Bayern Munich held to 0-0 at Leverkusen

Bayern Munich missed the chance to go 10 points clear in the Bundesliga after being held to a scoreless draw at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

It was only the third time that Pep Guardiola's side dropped points in 20 games this season. Also, Xabi Alonso was sent off late for two tactical fouls within minutes of each other.

There were few chances in the first half, with Leverkusen having the only effort on goal for either side — Omer Toprak's header went straight to Manuel Neuer.

"In the first half we had problems stringing together more than four or five passes. Then it's impossible," said Guardiola, whose side still leads by eight points.

Leverkusen looked more like scoring early in the second, Javier "Chicharito" Hernández sending a spectacular effort just wide, before Hakan Calhanoglu was blocked.

The visitors improved with the introduction of Thomas Mueller, who missed two good chances that he'd normally take.

Bayern pushed for a winner even after Alonso's sending off, but Robert Lewandowski in particular was left to rue near misses.

"A scoreless draw was deserved. Though we were lucky in the end," said Leverkusen's 19-year-old defender Johnathan Tah, who was outstanding alongside Toprak. "We delivered a super team performance."