In a stunning display of football, Bayer Leverkusen secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Union Berlin, propelling them to the top of the Bundesliga standings by a two-point margin as they headed into the November international break.
Despite the season being largely overshadowed by Harry Kane’s goal-scoring prowess at Bayern Munich, it’s Bayer Leverkusen who surprisingly lead the pack as we approach the year’s final international break.
Under the skillful management of Xabi Alonso, a former star at clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, Leverkusen has shown exceptional form. They’ve triumphed in 16 out of their 17 matches across all competitions, including a streak of 12 consecutive wins. Their only non-victory was a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich back in September.
Leverkusen’s remarkable run in the league, accumulating 31 points in just 11 games, matches the record for the best start in Bundesliga history, a feat previously achieved by Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich in the 2015-16 season. They’re also making waves in the Europa League, securing a spot in the last 16 with four consecutive group stage victories.
Since transitioning into coaching after a trophy-laden playing career, Alonso, now 41, began his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s under-14 team in 2018. He then took charge of Real Sociedad’s B team before being appointed as Leverkusen’s coach in October 2022, when the team was languishing near the bottom of the Bundesliga. After a rocky start, Alonso’s influence became evident, leading the team to a sixth-place finish last season and securing a spot in the Europa League.
Leverkusen’s attacking prowess is notable, with a tally of 34 goals in 11 Bundesliga matches. They play a dynamic 3-4-3 formation, excelling in counter-attacks and leading the Bundesliga in this regard. Victor Boniface, their leading striker, has outperformed even Harry Kane in terms of shots taken. Additionally, Leverkusen leads the league in pass accuracy, a testament to Alonso’s emphasis on skillful play.
Their defensive strategy is equally effective, with a solid backline conceding only five goals from open play this season. The team has also managed to remain resilient despite the departure of key player Moussa Diaby to Aston Villa.
New signings like Nathan Tella and Granit Xhaka have integrated seamlessly, with Xhaka being a pivotal figure in midfield. The team’s unity and strength under Alonso’s guidance give them a real shot at the Bundesliga title, a feat they have never achieved despite coming close several times.
While Bayern Munich and Harry Kane will undoubtedly continue to challenge, Bayer Leverkusen, under the strategic leadership of Xabi Alonso, are proving to be a formidable force in this season’s Bundesliga campaign.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga
How is Bayer Leverkusen performing in the current Bundesliga season?
Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso’s management, has shown remarkable performance in the Bundesliga, leading the league with a record that matches the best start in Bundesliga history. They have won 16 out of 17 matches in all competitions, including 12 consecutive wins in the league.
What has been the impact of Xabi Alonso on Bayer Leverkusen?
Since Xabi Alonso took over as coach in October 2022, Leverkusen has experienced a significant turnaround. Alonso’s strategic approach and focus on skillful play have led to impressive results, including a top position in the Bundesliga and advancement in the Europa League.
How is Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking strategy under Alonso?
Leverkusen, playing in a 3-4-3 formation, excels in counter-attacks and has scored the most league goals on the break this season. They also lead the Bundesliga in pass accuracy, showcasing a blend of attacking flair and tactical precision.
Who are the key players for Bayer Leverkusen this season?
Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, and Granit Xhaka are among the key players. Boniface leads in shots on goal, Tella impresses as Moussa Diaby’s replacement, and Xhaka plays a crucial role in midfield. Jonathan Tah and Alex Grimaldo have also been standout performers.
Has Bayer Leverkusen ever won the Bundesliga?
No, Bayer Leverkusen has never won the Bundesliga. Their best finish in the league has been as runners-up on five occasions. The last time they led the league after 11 games was in the 2020-21 season under Peter Bosz, but they eventually finished sixth.
More about Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga
- Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga Performance
- Xabi Alonso’s Coaching Impact
- Bayer Leverkusen’s Attacking Strategy
- Key Players of Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga History
4 comments
Loving the detail on Alonso’s impact! but isn’t Leverkusen’s defense strategy a bit more nuanced than just 5 defenders and 5 attackers? Just a thought 🙂
hey, great article but you might wanna check the stats for Boniface again? I think they’re a bit off compared to what I saw on the official site..
This is solid stuff, really captures the essence of Leverkusen’s season. There’s a typo in the part about Xhaka though, says ‘knits’ instead of ‘knits’.
really cool article but I think you could’ve added more about the other Bundesliga teams, to give context to Leverkusen’s success you know?