German Bundesliga team Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak has ended in 35 matches. Leverkusen, which won the 2023-2024 season without a loss, had a fresh start this season by winning the first-round match against Borussia Mönchengladbach again. However, it suffered a 2-3 come-from-behind defeat at the second-round match against RB Leipzig. Having achieved an unbeaten streak of 34 matches last season, Leverkusen had a 2-0 lead thanks to consecutive goals scored by Jeremy Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo in the first half. However, it failed to prevent Kevin Kampl, who was concentrating on the back-up build-up, from participating in the unexpected attack, and lost a point in the extra time of the first half, allowing Lois Offenda to score twice in the 57th and 80th minutes of the second half.
Leverkusen, the attack is sharp, but…
As Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak comes to an end, the Bundesliga is in an unpredictable situation at the beginning of the season. Fans are already looking forward to the 2024-2025 Bundesliga, which is fun to watch. We analyzed the performance of Leverkusen, VfB Stuttgart, and Bayern Munich, the top three teams in last season, and the teams that chased them fiercely.
Unbeaten, broken Leverkusen, shaky defense
Recently, Leverkusen has focused on maintaining its existing strength. Players such as Yonathan Tha, Frimpong, and Florian Birz, who were rumored to be transferred, were retained, and there was no significant departure other than Odilong Kosunu who left for Atalanta BC. Players who understand what coach Xavi Alonso means better than anyone else are attempting aggressive soccer by forming a well-organized build-up system this season as well. Grimal, Birz, Granit Xhaka, Frimpong, and Victor Boniface are still sharp in attack.
However, the situation is different for Leverkusen. From the game against Stuttgart in the Super Cup, to the game against Mönchengladbach in the first round, to the game against Leipzig in the second round, Leverkusen’s defense team is exposed to weakness if the opposing team attempts a quick counterattack. Another problem is Edmond Tapsova’s lack of adaptation to the position, and sluggishness of backup Mattei Kovarsi, who participated in the game against Leipzig instead of Lukasz Khradecki, who was out of form due to poor condition.
Leverkusen, however, is still a strong favorite. It boasts stronger offensive capabilities than other teams, and Alonso is unusually strong in handling tactics and last-minute decisions of the game. Whether or not the defense team that showed good performance last season will maintain the performance will likely determine the team’s performance this season. Prior to Alonso’s inauguration, Leverkusen’s defense team was evaluated as more unstable than it is now. If the defense capabilities return to those levels, there could be more crises than expected for Leverkusen this season.
“Real crisis.” Stuttgart
Stuttgart has not won even one of its two league matches this season, as the runner-up of last season. It lost 1-3 to SC Freiburg in its opening match, and had a 3-3 draw in its home opener FSV Mainz 05. It allowed six runs in two matches, showing problems in the balance between offense and defense. Stuttgart has been struggling with customized tactics prepared by its opponents. During a build-up, coach Sebastian Hönes deploys two center backs and two central midfielders in a 2-2 format to advance fullbacks and wings, which has been recognized by rival teams. Recently, rival teams are restricting Stuttgart’s offense to the side by applying forward pressure by three players on two midfielders. When Stuttgart makes a mistake, it quickly snatches the ball, tries to counterattack, and attacks the space afterwards. 스포츠토토
Without Valdemar Anton and Hiroki Ito, the defense team is also anxious. Anton, the main center back, left fullback and center back, left fullback and multi-resource Ito left for Bayern Munich, but so far, they have not been able to fill their vacancies properly. Attention is focusing on how Stuttgart, which will be on its Champions League schedule this season, will overcome the early crisis.