Bundesliga 2024-25: Leverkusen brace for 'full throttle' Bayern Munich
Bayer Leverkusen are gearing up for a challenging encounter against Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga 2024-25 season on Saturday. The team's manager, Xabi Alonso, has expressed his anticipation and acknowledged the need for an impeccable performance from his side. "The anticipation is great and we want to show a good game. We need a perfect performance to take something home with us," Alonso told in a press conference on Friday. Here's more.
Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga achievement and Bayern's response
Last season, Leverkusen made history by becoming the first team to complete a Bundesliga campaign without a single defeat. This remarkable achievement ended Bayern's streak of 11 consecutive titles. Alongside the Bundesliga title, Leverkusen won the DFB-Pokal title as well for the domestic double. However, this season, Bayern are determined to regain top position. The team has been flying under new manager Vincent Kompany, who faced relegation with Burnley from the Premier League last season.
Alonso highlights Bayern's impressive start and upcoming challenge
Alonso has recognized Bayern's strong start to the season, noting that his team must perform at their best for the entire match. "FC Bayern have made a good start to the season, it will be a challenge tomorrow. We need to play at our highest level, with and against the ball for 90 minutes. Bayern will go full throttle, we have to be ready for that," the Spaniard stated.
Leverkusen's defensive struggles and Alonso's call for discipline
Leverkusen have struggled defensively this season, conceding nine goals in four Bundesliga games. In their last match against VfL Wolfsburg, they conceded three goals but managed to claim a thrilling 4-3 victory. Following that game, Alonso criticized his team's defensive performance and emphasized the need for discipline ahead of their match against Bayern. "The team has to be compact, we have to defend together as a team," he insisted.
Alonso's game plan and Bayern's enthusiasm for the match
Alonso has outlined a clear game plan for his team, stressing the importance of a strong defense. "We have a clear game plan as to how we want to play. We will give everything... If we don't defend well, it's hard for the players to win," he said. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are excited about facing Leverkusen. Kompany expressed his eagerness, stating "It's good that everyone's excited about the game."
Bayern and Leverkusen occupy top two places in Bundesliga
Bayern top the Bundesliga 2024-25 standings with 12 points from four games (W4). Bayern have scored 16 goals in addition to conceding three. Reigning champions Leverkusen are second with nine points. In addition to three wins, they have one defeat. Leverkusen have scored 13 goals in addition to conceding nine. Bayern's Harry Kane leads the scoring in this season's Bundesliga with 5 goals. Wirtz has scored four goals for Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Kane also leads the assists chart (4).
