Bayer Leverkusen return to their renewed Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich on Saturday, but the team that once struck fear into the Bavarian giants looks almost unrecognisable from the side that challenged them so fiercely in recent seasons.

Under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen went toe-to-toe with Bayern for more than two seasons, pushing the champions harder than any German side had since Jürgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund over a decade ago. During Alonso’s tenure, Leverkusen won three and drew three of six domestic clashes with Bayern, including a stunning 3–0 victory in February 2024 en route to an unbeaten league and cup double.

This season, however, fortunes have reverted to type.

Leverkusen lost several first-team stalwarts over the summer and are already on their second coach of the campaign, with Kasper Hjulmand replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga matches. With eight games played, Leverkusen sit fifth — seven points adrift of a Bayern side in imperious form.

Bayern’s 4–1 German Cup victory over Cologne on Wednesday marked their 14th win from 14 games, setting a record for the best start in the history of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Despite the contrasting records, there is hope for Leverkusen. Under Hjulmand, the team has won six and drawn four of their ten matches, losing only once — albeit in a 7–2 defeat to European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Wednesday’s 4–2 German Cup win over second-division Paderborn, which went to extra time, prompted Hjulmand to prioritize recovery ahead of the trip to Munich.

“Those extra 30 minutes were not ideal, but that’s football,” Hjulmand said.
“From now, it’s all about recovery, treatment, nutrition, and everything necessary to be ready to win against Bayern. These next few days are important — not much training, but regaining energy.”

Midfielder Jonas Hofmann, part of the Hjulmand revival, insisted Leverkusen will approach the clash in Munich with ambition.

“We’re not going there to complain, but to take something away with us,” Hofmann said.

One to watch: Tiago Tomas
Leverkusen’s former Premier League target, Nick Woltemade, has been replaced by Tiago Tomas, who joined late in the transfer window. The forward has quickly established himself in the attack, scoring twice in the league and providing pace on the wings alongside Deniz Undav and Ermedin Demirovic.

Meanwhile, Stuttgart — another team reshaping itself after summer changes — have won their last five league matches to sit third. Tomas said the team is embracing the process of growth.

“If during the process you can have the wins we’ve had, I don’t think we’re struggling at all,” Tomas told the Bundesliga website.
“I’m excited for what’s next. I think we’re growing together as a team.”

Stuttgart face second-placed RB Leipzig on Saturday.

Key Stats:

5 – St Pauli have lost their last five Bundesliga games, the worst run in Europe’s top five leagues.

8 – Bayern have won all eight league games to start the season. Their previous best opening run was 11 wins in 2012/13.

37 – Bayer Leverkusen remain unbeaten in their last 37 away matches, a run of 25 wins and 12 draws dating back to May 2023.