Bayer Leverkusen Plan ‘Perfect Day’ to Derail Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga Title Push

Bayer Leverkusen will host Bayern Munich on Saturday, aiming to pull off a “perfect day” to keep their hopes of a Bundesliga title alive. Currently eight points behind Bayern, Leverkusen are determined to make a statement and challenge the Bavarians, who have an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Both teams have only lost once in the league this season, but Leverkusen’s campaign has been hindered by a series of seven draws compared to Bayern’s three. Bayern, motivated by their failure to win the title last season, come into the match on a seven-game winning streak in the league.

A victory or even a draw for Bayern would likely deal a fatal blow to Leverkusen’s title hopes, but coach Xabi Alonso’s strong record against Bayern could provide the hosts with hope.

Xabi Alonso’s Record Against Bayern Gives Leverkusen Hope

Since taking charge of Leverkusen in October 2022, Xabi Alonso has faced Bayern five times, winning three and drawing two. The most recent victory came in December, when Leverkusen eliminated Bayern from the German Cup in Munich after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sent off for the first time in his career.

Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, speaking to the Bundesliga website on Thursday, expressed confidence ahead of the game. “We can make it difficult for anyone, including Bayern Munich,” said Xhaka. “We need a perfect day to beat this team, but I’m convinced we can do this. We won’t play for a draw, we want to win every game, whether that’s against Bayern on Saturday, or against any other team.”

The Striker Battle: Kane vs. Schick

Both teams are benefitting from in-form strikers. Bayern’s Harry Kane, who missed time with a hamstring injury in December, has been in excellent form recently, scoring nine goals in his last eight games across all competitions.

On the other side, Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick is also on fire. The Czech striker has scored 14 goals in his last 11 Bundesliga appearances and is expected to be a key player in the clash with Bayern.

Midweek Rest for Leverkusen, Champions League Push for Bayern

While Bayern had to fight for a 2-1 win against Celtic in the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday, Leverkusen were able to rest midweek after finishing in the top eight of the competition. This break could provide an advantage as Leverkusen look to exploit Bayern’s busy schedule.

Florian Wirtz: Key to Leverkusen’s Creativity

Behind Schick’s goals, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has been pulling the strings this season. With nine assists in his last 11 matches, Wirtz has become essential to Leverkusen’s attacking play.

Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro recently spoke about Wirtz’s development, saying, “He definitely makes it look easy—and that’s what makes him special. He has a view of the whole field. His technique, his first touch is amazing… Not that many are on his level.”

Other Bundesliga Action

Elsewhere, Borussia Dortmund will look to build on their 3-0 Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon when they face rock-bottom Bochum on Saturday. Third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, who have drawn their last three games, will also look to regain momentum in their top-four bid when they meet Holstein Kiel.

Key Stats:

24 – The number of goals St Pauli have conceded in 21 games. Only Bayern Munich (19) have conceded fewer.
October 2021 – The date of Bayern’s last win in Leverkusen.
21 in 19 – Harry Kane’s impressive tally of 21 goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season, including nine penalties.