Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, currently hold an impressive unbeaten streak spanning 33 competitive matches. With an 11-point lead at the top of the table, they are firmly positioned as frontrunners for the Bundesliga title. In this article, bundesliga delves into the reasons behind Die Werkself’s strong prospects of clinching their inaugural Bundesliga championship.
1) The Unbeatables
Following last season’s impressive ascent under Xabi Alonso, from second bottom to sixth place, optimism was already high at the BayArena as they entered their first full campaign under the Spaniard’s leadership. However, when the fixture list was unveiled, there may have been some apprehension within the club.
An opening match against DFB Cup and Supercup holders RB Leipzig, followed by a visit to local rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, presented a formidable initial challenge. This was further compounded by a home fixture against newly promoted Darmstadt, deemed crucial ahead of the international break, and a subsequent trip to face Bayern Munich on the opening weekend of Oktoberfest.
These first four matchdays carried significant weight, potentially setting the tone for the entire season. Thus far, the outcomes have indeed proven pivotal. Victories over Leipzig (3-2), Gladbach (3-0), and Darmstadt (5-1) laid the groundwork for a top-of-the-table clash with Bayern.
However, the trip to the Allianz Arena provided a different test for Alonso’s Leverkusen. Facing deficits for the first time this season, rather than preserving or extending leads, showcased the team’s resilience. Granit Xhaka emphasized this resilience, stating, “I think we showed big character today to be down two times here, 1-0 and 2-1.” The ensuing 2-2 draw, described as “fair” by both sets of players and coaches, kept Leverkusen ahead of Bayern on goal difference, with both teams maintaining unbeaten records.
This match marked the beginning of Leverkusen’s never-say-die mentality, which has been a recurring theme throughout the campaign. Exequiel Palacios’s 94th-minute equalizer, one of four goals scored by Alonso’s side in added time this season, exemplified their resilience. These late goals have garnered five additional points for the team, proving instrumental in their success.
This resilience was further evident in subsequent matches, including Palacios’s late winner against Augsburg and Piero Hincapie’s 91st-minute goal in a comeback victory against Leipzig. Such displays of determination have characterized Leverkusen’s record-breaking campaign, culminating in dramatic late goals and crucial victories.
About the players
Thus far, Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak has encountered resistance only from second-placed Bayern Munich in Munich, fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund (1-1), third-placed Stuttgart (1-1), and local rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach (0-0) – the sole instance in the Werkself’s season where they settled for a goalless draw.
Throughout the campaign, Leverkusen has showcased several noteworthy performances, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Cologne in the derby, a similar scoreline win against Bremen, and a resounding 4-0 triumph over Bochum. However, the standout among these is undoubtedly their 3-0 home win against Bayern.
Not only did this victory assert their dominance, but it accurately reflected Leverkusen’s superiority on the pitch. They executed their game plan flawlessly, limiting the defending champions to minimal chances. With an expected goals (xG) value of 0.27, Leverkusen held Bayern to their lowest xG since this metric’s inception five years ago.
Following this landmark win, Leverkusen secured a gritty victory against Heidenheim and a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mainz on Matchday 23, accumulating 61 points – 11 clear of Bayern. Their 59 goals scored also mark club records after 23 games played. Remarkably, only two teams in Bundesliga history, both under Pep Guardiola’s Bayern in 2015/16 and 2013/14, have amassed more points at this stage of the season.
Moreover, Leverkusen’s accomplishments extend beyond the Bundesliga. They emerged from the UEFA Europa League group stage with a perfect record of six wins out of six, a feat achieved by only 12 clubs in the competition’s history. Additionally, they progressed to the semi-finals of the DFB Cup after securing four more victories.
The Werkself currently stand as the only team across Europe’s 54 top divisions to remain unbeaten in competitive fixtures in the 2023/24 season. Their streak of 33 consecutive unbeaten games surpasses the previous record of 32 set by Hansi Flick’s treble-winning Bayern side in 2019 and 2020, further solidifying their status as a dominant force in European football.
2) The ideal squad in Alonso’s image
Bayern Munich captured international attention during the summer transfer window with the acquisition of England captain Harry Kane, overshadowing Bayer Leverkusen’s astute moves in the market. Despite this, the departure of last season’s top scorer Moussa Diaby initially drew notice. However, Leverkusen’s prudent handling of the transfer budget, particularly from the Diaby deal, allowed them to secure key additions.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka joined from Arsenal, bringing invaluable experience and leadership qualities to the midfield under Xabi Alonso’s stewardship. Jonas Hofmann, a proven Bundesliga performer renowned for his attacking prowess, arrived with impressive statistics, notably topping the Fantasy points tally in the 2022/23 season with Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Adding to their acquisitions, Alejandro Grimaldo’s arrival on a free transfer from Benfica addressed the left wing-back position, previously a source of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Victor Boniface, coming off a prolific Europa League campaign, bolstered the team’s attacking options.
These new signings seamlessly integrated into the squad, evident in Leverkusen’s cohesive performances. Alonso’s tactical consistency saw him deploy the same starting XI in 10 out of the first 16 Bundesliga fixtures, demonstrating the depth and versatility within the squad.
Despite challenges such as the Africa Cup of Nations affecting squad availability and injuries to key players like Boniface, Alonso showcased tactical adaptability, ensuring the team remained competitive across all competitions.
Patrik Schick’s hat-trick against Bochum served as a timely reminder of his capabilities, although the Czech striker is still regaining full fitness following an extended layoff. Leverkusen also addressed Boniface’s absence by securing the loan signing of Spain international striker Borja Iglesias, further strengthening their attacking options.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, captain Lukáš Hrádecký lauded the impact of the new signings, emphasizing the professionalism and quality they bring to the squad.
3) The X(abi) Factor
Upon assuming the managerial reins in October 2022, Xabi Alonso made an immediate impact, orchestrating Leverkusen’s resounding 4-0 victory over Schalke in his debut—a triumph that marked the largest margin of victory by a Leverkusen coach. However, the initial euphoria was followed by a six-match winless streak, underscoring the challenges of rejuvenating a team grappling with dwindling morale. It took time for Alonso, a former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad youth coach, to imprint his vision on the squad, culminating in an impressive two-month unbeaten streak in March and April, catapulting Leverkusen into contention for European qualification.
Now, 18 months into his tenure and with a squad molded in his image, Alonso’s winning mentality, honed during his illustrious playing career, has permeated the team under his tutelage. Reflecting on the team’s performance against his former club Bayern, the 41-year-old emphasized the importance of personality, quality, and mentality—a foundation upon which Leverkusen aims to build its success. However, Alonso remains cognizant of the challenges that lie ahead in navigating the rigors of a long season, which includes the ongoing DFB Cup and Europa League campaigns.
The optimism surrounding Leverkusen’s current trajectory evokes memories of past near-misses, notably during the Peter Bosz era when promising starts gave way to disappointing finishes. Recollections of missed opportunities, such as relinquishing a five-point lead with three games remaining in the 2001/02 season, underscore the club’s enduring quest for redemption. Termed ‘Neverkusen’ for its history of near triumphs, Leverkusen bears the scars of past disappointments, a narrative that Alonso, in his maiden stint as a head coach, seeks to rewrite. Should Leverkusen finally ascend to the summit, it would mark a definitive departure from their legacy of second-place finishes.
4) Everybody’s contributing
Overcoming the mental challenges inherent in a grueling season is a gradual process, yet early indications suggest that Xabi Alonso has already made a significant impact at Bayer Leverkusen. The palpable unity evident among fans at the BayArena, who fervently celebrated the players, head coach, and entire backroom staff following the victory over Bayern, underscores the broad consensus rallying behind Alonso’s leadership.
This season, Leverkusen’s attacking prowess has been nothing short of spectacular, epitomized by their record-breaking tally of 59 goals scored after 23 matchdays. Save for the two draws against Dortmund and Stuttgart, along with a hard-fought victory in Augsburg, Die Werkself had consistently netted two goals or more in every league fixture until encountering their first goalless draw against Gladbach on Matchday 19. Despite the stalemate, Leverkusen’s dominance was unmistakable, evidenced by their 28 shots and an xG (expected goals) of 2.64 compared to Borussia’s 0.21.
Moreover, Leverkusen has demonstrated a resilience and adaptability, exemplified by their penchant for scoring late goals, which have often proved pivotal in securing vital points. This knack for late heroics has been instrumental in maintaining their position at the top of the table, even after triumphing over Bayern—a team that has historically dominated the Bundesliga landscape.
With the likes of Jonas Hofmann and Florian Wirtz orchestrating play behind the robust Victor Boniface, Leverkusen has transitioned from merely playing attractive football to converting their dominance into tangible results. Their offensive prowess is reflected in their impressive shot count, trailing only Bayern in shots on goal. Furthermore, Leverkusen’s clinical efficiency in front of goal, underscored by a positive shot efficiency rating, places them among the league’s most formidable attacking units.
The team’s creative prowess is further highlighted by the contribution of several players boasting multiple assists this season, with Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, and Jeremie Frimpong all playing pivotal roles in Leverkusen’s attacking endeavors. This collective proficiency underscores Leverkusen’s multifaceted attacking threat and solidifies their status as genuine contenders for silverware.
5) Solid throughout
As a player, Xabi Alonso epitomized the role of a playmaker within teams engineered for dominance, acting as the linchpin between defense and attack. He understands that a potent attacking force combined with a steady supply line invariably leads to goal-scoring opportunities. Initially, much of Alonso’s focus at the BayArena was directed towards fortifying the team’s defensive solidity.
It took some time for Alonso to establish both the tactical framework and the right personnel, but he has now achieved the desired balance with his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which emphasizes five designated defenders and five attackers. At the core of this setup is Granit Xhaka, Alonso’s on-field lieutenant.
Xhaka, the Swiss captain, leads the Bundesliga in touches and passes, boasting an impressive pass completion rate of nearly 93 percent. He plays a pivotal role in organizing the defensive structure while also orchestrating attacking moves. “I am not a very skilful player. I try to communicate with my teammates and play it simple – I will let the guys up front produce the magic moments,” explained the 31-year-old midfielder.
With Xhaka marshaling the midfield, Leverkusen ranks second in possession (57 percent), showcasing an uptick from the previous season. However, the true difference lies in Leverkusen’s purposeful ball movement and precise passing, with an overall pass completion rate of 89.6 percent, just shy of the typically dominant Bayern Munich.
Under Alonso’s guidance, Leverkusen’s passing statistics have surged compared to the previous season, reflecting a shift in playing style and enhanced confidence. Jonathan Tah serves as another testament to Alonso’s impact, transforming from a player on the brink of departure to a pivotal figure in the backline. Tah’s stellar performance against Bayern on Matchday 4, marked by a flawless pass completion rate and defensive solidity, underscores his resurgence.
Defensively, Leverkusen boasts a league-low 16 goals conceded, with only 10 originating from open play in the 2023/24 season. Captain Lukáš Hrádecký has played a crucial role, saving over 81 percent of shots faced, the highest proportion among first-choice goalkeepers in the division.
Alonso’s emphasis on hard work is evident in Leverkusen’s robust defensive efforts and relentless pressing. Leverkusen’s energetic display, highlighted by outperforming Bayern by 3.7 kilometers in distance covered and leading in sprints towards the opposition goal among last season’s top six, underscores the team’s commitment to the cause.
As Leverkusen enters the final stretch of the season, Alonso and his team find themselves in pole position to challenge Bayern Munich’s dominance. The question remains: Will they seize the opportunity and go all the way?