For years, the Bundesliga has eagerly anticipated a true challenger to Bayern Munich’s dominance, and finally, Bayer Leverkusen has stepped up, not just to compete but to assert their dominance emphatically. Breaking an 11-year pattern, Leverkusen’s readiness to dictate the game on their terms marks a significant shift, suggesting this challenge could be the real deal.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment nearly 13 years ago, on 26 February 2011, when Borussia Dortmund, under Jürgen Klopp, made a significant statement by defeating Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, Leverkusen’s current stance revives memories of genuine title contention. That night, Dortmund proved they were more than an intriguing footnote; they were formidable contenders, much like Leverkusen appears today.
Leverkusen Dominates: A Bundesliga Showcase
This weekend marked a significant moment for Leverkusen, establishing their dominance in the Bundesliga spotlight. With Xabi Alonso at the helm, Leverkusen’s performance was a vivid declaration of their intent, presented with all the flair of a grand unveiling – complete with a detailed brochure, a PowerPoint presentation paired with a champagne brunch, and a dazzling light and fireworks show. Leverkusen has emerged as more than just contenders; they are the undefeated frontrunners and the undisputed top team in Germany.
Leverkusen’s exceptional play this season, characterized by high-quality football beyond mere winning outcomes, had set the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Bayern. When the time came, Leverkusen was fully prepared, leaving the reigning champions outmatched. The encounter turned into a magnificent spectacle, a comprehensive triumph that felt like a celebration from beginning to end. In the midst of the regional carnival festivities, underscored by Florian Wirtz’s parents donning green wigs in the stands, Leverkusen’s performance was nothing short of carnival football, captivating and dominant.
Leverkusen’s Triumph: From Challenges to Victory in DFB-Pokal Quarter-Final
Leverkusen celebrated a carnival of football throughout the week, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal quarter-final, thanks to Jonathan Tah’s decisive goal in the final moments. This victory was especially significant as it came against one of the current top teams, with Leverkusen coming from behind twice and now clearly on the path to potential glory. The competition’s remaining teams include two from the second tier and possibly one from the third, highlighting Leverkusen’s strong position. This turnaround under coach Alonso signifies a shift from the team’s previous struggles to a new era of resilience and success.
The unexpected nature of this success story is notable, especially considering the challenges faced earlier in the season, such as player absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations and the loss of key forward Victor Boniface. Despite these hurdles, Alonso’s strategic adaptability and leadership shone through, particularly in the exhilarating win against Bayern. Nathan Tella, who had seen limited playtime before the winter break, has seized his increased opportunities in 2024, outperforming expectations. His significant contribution included setting up Álex Grimaldo’s goal with a clever assist, showcasing his and the team’s growing confidence and tactical acumen under Alonso’s guidance.
Frimpong, starting from the bench and entering as a closer, exhausted an already fatigued Bayern in the final moments, ultimately clinching the match by breaking away from three defenders and scoring from a distant angle to make it 3-0, with Manuel Neuer far out of position after moving forward for a corner. Alonso’s strategy to enter the match without a traditional striker, relying on attacking options throughout the team, proved once again to be a masterstroke.
Tactical Missteps and Lack of Intensity Plague Bayern in Lackluster Performance
Thomas Tuchel’s strategy fell short as he opted for an unfamiliar three-at-the-back formation to mirror the host’s setup, leading to a disorganized display. Sacha Boey, a January acquisition aimed at strengthening the right-back position for the future, was awkwardly positioned as a makeshift left wing-back in his Bundesliga debut, contributing to Bayern’s overall uncertainty and passive response. The team’s unexpected formation could be seen as underestimating Alonso’s tactical influence. Robert Andrich, who assisted Josip Stanisic’s goal against his own team, noted Bayern’s setup took them by surprise.
However, the issues extended beyond tactics to a lack of determination in critical moments. Thomas Müller, in a heated interview with Sky, referenced Oliver Kahn’s famous remark about the team’s absence of courage, highlighting Bayern’s fragmented and unenergetic play. Noussair Mazraoui managed the only notable attempt on goal, which was easily handled by Lukas Hradecky. Harry Kane was effectively neutralized, limited to only 18 touches.
Tuchel, known for his forthrightness, criticized the team’s poor decision-making, particularly in moments following possession gains. This level of performance and outcome might have jeopardized the positions of former Bayern managers, but current administrative instability likely shields Tuchel for now. Amidst this backdrop, reports surfaced of José Mourinho learning German, suggesting potential changes. Bayern is currently grappling with a lack of direction both on and off the pitch.
Leverkusen’s Rise Challenges Bayern’s Dominance
Leverkusen holds a five-point lead, reminiscent of the scenario five years ago when Bayern trailed Dortmund by five points, only to clinch the championship by a two-point margin on the last day. However, the current momentum significantly differs, positioning Leverkusen to potentially break the long-standing dominance, as Hradecky suggested in a recent interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung. This shift hasn’t required a dip in Bayern’s performance but highlights Leverkusen’s exceptional form, as evidenced in their latest display on Saturday.
Bundesliga Protests Escalate Amid Disruptions
The anti-investor protests in the Bundesliga have intensified, as fans from the top two divisions amplify their stance against public equity investment. The recent match, dubbed the Nordduell between Hamburg and Hannover, nearly faced abandonment due to a controversial banner targeting Hannover’s MD Martin Kind. Additionally, the weekend saw significant interruptions, notably when Danilho Doekhi scored for Union against Wolfsburg during an extended first-half stoppage time, caused by the need to clear tennis balls from the pitch. The ongoing protests have left players and coaches in a quandary, torn between empathy for the fans’ grievances and the untenable nature of the disruptions. Union’s captain, Christopher Trimmel, emphasized the necessity of impactful protests, stating, “Protest should hurt, otherwise you won’t hear it,” though he acknowledged the challenges it poses for the players’ performance.
In a brighter note from the Bundesliga, Dortmund’s victory over Freiburg was highlighted by Mateu Morey’s triumphant return to the field after a long hiatus due to knee injuries, marking his first game since May 2021.
