Newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen face a formidable challenge in their pursuit of a perfect league season when they visit Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Despite their historic title triumph, Xabi Alonso’s side has their sights set on several remarkable records.
Leverkusen remains in contention for a treble, having reached the German Cup final and the Europa League semi-finals. They are the only German club other than Bayern Munich to have won the treble, which Bayern achieved in 2013 and 2020.
In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen is still unbeaten with 25 wins and four draws in 29 games. They have also extended their undefeated streak to 44 matches across all competitions this season. No German club, including Bayern Munich, has ever gone through a league season without a loss, making Alonso’s team five matches away from a unique achievement.
With 79 points, Leverkusen is also within striking distance of breaking the all-time Bundesliga points tally of 91, set by Bayern in 2012-13. However, their trip to Dortmund represents their biggest hurdle in achieving these records.
Dortmund, currently fifth in the standings, is a formidable opponent at home, especially after their impressive victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. Leverkusen was held to a 1-1 draw by Dortmund in December.
Despite the celebrations following their title win, Alonso is confident that his team will not lose focus. “We had a few beers, but not too many,” he said. “The players have not given me any reason to doubt them. We have the hunger and the desire to keep going non-stop.”
Dortmund, on the other hand, has its own motivations. With a two-legged semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, their European exploits could also benefit them in the league. Germany’s chances of securing five spots in next season’s Champions League have been boosted by Dortmund’s win and Bayern’s victory over Arsenal.
While Dortmund may shift its focus to Europe, the opportunity to face a title winner other than Bayern will undoubtedly inspire them to deliver a strong performance.
As for Bayern, pride is at stake in the league, as they are level on points with Stuttgart. They travel to Union Berlin on Saturday, who are still in danger of relegation and will be desperate for points.
Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy was named Bundesliga player of the month for the second time this season. With 25 goals in 23 games, he is second only to Harry Kane in the scoring charts.
