BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen is set to face Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, occupying the top spot in the Bundesliga table with an impressive record of dropping just two points out of a possible 36 to start the season. Despite being a mere two points ahead of a formidable Bayern Munich, Leverkusen boasts a commanding ten-point lead over Dortmund, highlighting their early-season dominance with only 12 matches played.
Manager Xabi Alonso has been widely credited for instilling hope among Leverkusen’s long-suffering fans, but their success is also attributed to a strategic summer recruitment drive. Leverkusen utilized the funds from Moussa Diaby’s transfer to Aston Villa to acquire Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, Granit Xhaka, and Alex Grimaldo. Alonso praised the football intelligence of these additions, emphasizing their immediate impact on the team’s performance.
While Leverkusen strategically strengthened their squad, reports indicate that Dortmund rejected each of the quartet during the summer, except for Hofmann, who had two previous stints at Signal Iduna Park. Criticism has mounted against Dortmund’s recent acquisitions, as Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer, and Ramy Bensebaini have struggled to fill the void left by Jude Bellingham.
Sporting director Simon Rolfes, the mastermind behind Leverkusen’s successful summer transfer window, had his contract extended to 2028, reflecting the club’s acknowledgment of his contributions. Leverkusen’s standout player, Florian Wirtz, was rested for Thursday’s Europa League match, underscoring the significance of Sunday’s clash against Dortmund.
For Dortmund, the match holds greater significance beyond narrowing the gap with the league leaders. Alongside RB Leipzig, Dortmund has been viewed as a team capable of challenging Bayern Munich’s dominance. Leverkusen’s unexpected emergence as ‘Bayern hunters’ adds an additional layer of challenge for Dortmund in their quest for Bundesliga success.
Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is set to make his first start since October after recovering from a hamstring injury. Guirassy, with an impressive strike rate of one goal per 46 minutes this season, has been a key contributor to Stuttgart’s success. In his absence, Deniz Undav stepped up, scoring six goals in his last six matches.
In other Bundesliga matchups, Union Berlin aims to secure its first victory against Bayern Munich, having drawn three of their eight encounters. Harry Kane continues his prolific goal-scoring form with 18 goals from 12 league games this season. Additionally, Jonas Wind has been Wolfsburg’s top scorer, contributing nine of the team’s 17 goals this season.
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