A Changing of the Guard in Germany? Alonso’s Leverkusen Threatens Bayern’s Legacy!
A Changing of the Guard in Germany? Alonso’s Leverkusen Threatens Bayern’s Legacy!
Can Leverkusen hold their nerve and finally claim their first-ever Bundesliga trophy?
Forget the “Neverkusen” tag, Bayer Leverkusen are rewriting their history books.
Xabi Alonso’s men continued their remarkable unbeaten run with a convincing 2-0 victory over ten men Koln on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to a staggering 10 points.
The momentum continues to shift in the Bundesliga. Following Bayern Munich’s frustrating draw at SC Freiburg on Friday night, Die Werkself is now in the driving seat.
The transformation under Alonso is nothing short of sensational. Gone are the days of near misses and runner-up finishes.
This Leverkusen side plays with a swagger and determination unseen in recent years and to be unbeaten at this stage of the season highlights the hard work demanded by Alonso and his technical team.
A crucial factor behind their success has been the blistering form of their wing-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo.
The duo boasts a combined total of 42 goal involvements in all competitions, adding an attacking threat that complements their defensive solidity.
🇪🇸🇳🇱 Grimaldo x Frimpong... 🥶
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 3, 2024
Contributed to a total of 42 goals for Bayer Leverkusen this season. Insane. pic.twitter.com/3BUoPf6qXE
Adding to the midfield steel is Granit Xhaka, who has seamlessly transitioned from Arsenal to become Leverkusen’s midfield general.
Not only does he orchestrate the team’s play, but his passing accuracy is second only to Manchester City’s Rodri in Europe’s top five leagues.
Most accurate passes in the opposition half in Europe's top five leagues this season:
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) February 16, 2024
◎ 1217 - Rodri
◎ 1134 - Granit Xhaka
◎ 902 - Toni Kroos
◎ 851 - Aleix García
◎ 850 - Declan Rice
Tempo-setters. 🧭 pic.twitter.com/raouDf941n
This control in the centre of the park has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s dominance.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s quest for a record-extending 12th consecutive title hangs in the balance.
Despite Harry Kane’s phenomenal goal-scoring form, with 27 goals already this season, the Bavarians haven’t been able to replicate their usual relentless dominance.
With 10 games remaining, the pressure is mounting on manager Thomas Tuchel, as failure to win the title with THIS bayern team would do major damage to his reputation as a coach.
The Bundesliga is witnessing a historic season. Can Leverkusen finally break the Bayern Munich stranglehold and claim their first-ever league title? Or will the Bavarians find their winning ways and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?
