With only ten matchdays remaining in the 2023-2024 season, Bayer Leverkusen sits comfortably atop the Bundesliga table with 61 points. They extended their lead over Bayern Munich to 8 points, defeating Harry Kane’s squad in a 3-0 shellacking at BayArena a couple of weeks ago. Will they secure the title or will Bayern complete a miraculous comeback to secure their record 34th domestic title? Let’s have a look at the teams leading the standings and explore a bit about their seasons so far.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen – 61 points
- Last match: 2-1 vs. FSV Mainz
- Next match: Sunday 03-Mar-2024 vs. 1. FC Köln in Cologne
Dreaming of a first Bundesliga title, Leverkusen is the favourite on the best betting sites in the UK to win the Meisterschale this season. Over the last few weeks, the league leaders have recorded five wins in as many matches, extending their unbeaten streak to 33 matches (29 wins and 4 draws), a new German record.
Leverkusen exemplifies the spirit of an extraordinary team and looks to capture the Bundesliga, the Europa League and the DFB (German Cup) after the thrilling come-from-behind win against Stuttgart in the quarterfinals.
Instrumental in Leverkusen’s Ascent
Head Coach Xabi Alonso: As just the second Spaniard to coach a Bundesliga club, after Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, Xabi Alonso has had a huge part in Leverkusen’s turnaround since he assumed the reins in the Fall of 2022. In Leverkusen’s recent victory over rival Bayern, Alonso outmanaged Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel, as his team held Bayern to just one shot on goal and effectively silenced Harry Kane.
Granit Xhaka, Midfielder: Alonso’s man in the middle has been instrumental to Leverkusen’s success this year. He leads the league in touches and passes, having completed 92.6% of his attempts. It’s no exaggeration to say that Die Werkself’s success begins and ends with the Switzerland captain. As Alonso’s voice in the midfield, Xhaka organises the defence and initiates the attack.
Teammate Alejandro Grimaldo, who leads the team with nine assists, commented on Xhaka’s leadership and importance to the club, saying: “He inspires every day with his passion and ideas, how he passes them on, and he’s taking Leverkusen upwards.”
Neverkusen No More?
Bayer has a history of coming up just short. The club has finished second in the German league five times and lost both the DFB-Pokal Final as well as the Champions League Final in 2002. This has led to the club’s unfortunate nickname of ‘Neverkusen‘ or its German equivalent, ‘Vizekusen’, for getting so close to the top yet always falling short.
But this season has looked and felt different for a club accustomed to coming in second. Will Leverkusen vanquish the ghosts of old? By the looks of it, if they continue their great play, Die Werkself will secure their first title this year.
FC Bayern München – 53 points
- Last match: 2-1 vs. RB Leipzig
- Next match: Friday 01-Mar-2024 vs. Sport-Club Freiburg
Despite having Europe’s most prolific goal scorer, Bayern find themselves eight points back in the table. What was billed as the match of the season versus Leverkusen ended up being a monumental disappointment for the reigning champs. But with hope still alive, Bayern look to close the gap on Leverkusen and keep the pressure on the league leaders, knowing full well they need to win out and see some bad luck grace Die Werkself.
Keys to Bayern Winning Yet Again
Head Coach Thomas Tuchel: It was recently announced that Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, a year ahead of schedule. After being installed at the helm for Bayern last season, Tuchel led the club to their eleventh straight league title, sliding past Borussia Dortmund on the final matchday of the season. But the former Chelsea coach has not managed his squad to the lofty expectations of a club chasing their twelfth straight league crown.
Back-to-back league defeats, first to Leverkusen, then to Bochum, followed by a Champions League loss to Lazio in their first leg, likely sealed his fate. “We will leave after this season,” the German coach said. “Until then, my coaching team and I will continue to do everything we can to ensure maximum success.” How will Bayern respond with a coaching staff that has one foot out the door? Their best hope is to get Harry Kane more involved.
Harry Kane: In Bayern’s last match versus RB Leipzig, Harry Kane scored twice, bringing his German league total to 27. Kane now sits atop the Europe-wide Golden Boot race, ahead of Lautaro Martínez, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, to name a few. Only two Bundesliga players have ever won the award – Gerd Müller in 1969/70 and 1971/72 and Robert Lewandowski in 2020/21 and 2021/22 – both while playing for Bayern. Look for Kane to score at least once against Freiburg to keep Bayern ticking.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting end to the season. Either Leverkusen makes history with their first Bundesliga title or Bayern pulls off an improbable comeback for their record twelfth consecutive title. As of now, Bayer Leverkusen is in the driver’s seat and it’s their title to win or lose.
