All eyes will be on Bavaria this Saturday as Bayern Munich takes on Bayer Leverkusen in an early-season chance to reassert its claim on the German throne.
Last season, the Bavarians fell apart as Xabi Alonso led Leverkusen to an invincible domestic season — posting the sort of record no team would have had the chance to match. But just who is the underdog in this one?
After Bayern’s strong start under new head coach Vincent Kompany — and Leverkusen’s early-season stumble in a 2-3 loss to RB Leipzig — the defending champions know they cannot simply approach this one as favorites.
“This is a Champions League opponent,” Leverkusen leader Granit Xhaka said this week in the lead-up to the game (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “That’s what the coach told us today. We obviously know how much potential Bayern have and what new ideas the new coach — Vincent Kompany — will bring to their game.
“We have of course analyzed their games and you can see that a lot of things are working very well. Almost every shot is a goal for them. Their attack is very strong and they concede fewer goals at the back. It’s definitely going to be a top game and we’re ready for it. A game in Munich against Bayern is always special and we are looking forward to it.”
Can Leverkusen fend off this energetic Bayern attack?
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on the mega-matchup between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this weekend? Awesome, then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show where we break it all down! You can get the show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
