Match Analysis: Title Defence Begins for Bayer Leverkusen - SportsLounge

Match Overview

The 2024/25 Bundesliga kicks off with an exciting encounter between Borussia Monchengladbach and the defending champions, Bayer Leverkusen. Last season was historic for Bayer Leverkusen, as they clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso. Meanwhile, Borussia Monchengladbach had a challenging season, finishing 14th on the table, just narrowly avoiding relegation.

Team Form and Head-to-Head

In their last 10 encounters, Bayer Leverkusen has shown clear dominance, winning seven of the fixtures, drawing two, and losing just one. Borussia Monchengladbach’s only win in this matchup came in 2019, highlighting Leverkusen’s superiority in recent years. Bayer Leverkusen has also been more prolific in front of goal, scoring 23 goals in their last 10 matches against Monchengladbach, while Monchengladbach managed just 11 goals during the same period.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Achievements in 2023/24

The 2023/24 season was a breakthrough for Bayer Leverkusen as they defied expectations to lift their maiden Bundesliga title. Under Xabi Alonso’s tutelage, Leverkusen played an attractive brand of football, combining tactical discipline with attacking flair.

Here are some of the standout records from Leverkusen’s remarkable campaign:

• First Bundesliga Title: After decades of being known as “perennial runners-up,” Leverkusen finally got over the line to win their first Bundesliga championship.
• Strongest Attack: Leverkusen boasted the most prolific attack in the Bundesliga, scoring 85 goals across the season.
• Best Defensive Record: With only 28 goals conceded, Leverkusen had the best defensive record in the league.
• Longest Unbeaten Run: Leverkusen went on an unbeaten run in the league and 51 games unbeaten across Europe, showcasing their consistency and resilience.
• Youngest Bundesliga-winning manager: Xabi Alonso became one of the youngest managers to win the Bundesliga, marking a significant milestone in his managerial career.

Key Players to Watch

• Victor Boniface: The Nigerian forward had an impressive season, with a goal ratio of 0.61 per match in the Bundesliga. His pace, strength, and finishing ability make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. He was also effective in Europe, with a goal ratio of 0.63 in the Europa League, underlining his ability to perform on the big stage.
• Amine Adli: Adli was a standout performer in the DFB-Pokal, where he had a remarkable goal ratio of 0.83 per match. His versatility allows him to play across the front line, and he will be eager to replicate his cup form in the Bundesliga this season.
• Patrick Schick: Schick was a key figure for Leverkusen in the Europa League, boasting a goal ratio of 0.56. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him a vital component of Leverkusen’s attacking arsenal.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Challenges

Monchengladbach struggled throughout the 2023/24 season, finishing in 14th place and only narrowly avoiding relegation. Their inability to find consistency in both attack and defense hindered their progress, and they will be looking for a much-improved campaign this time around. However, facing the reigning champions on the opening day of the season will be a stern test.

Tactical Battle

Xabi Alonso has instilled a possession-based, high-pressing system at Bayer Leverkusen, which has proven to be highly effective. The team’s ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with their clinical finishing, makes them formidable opponents. Borussia Monchengladbach, on the other hand, will need to be defensively disciplined and quick on the counter-attack to exploit any spaces left behind by Leverkusen’s aggressive approach.

Prediction

Given Leverkusen’s recent dominance in this fixture and their overall strength from last season, they are favorites heading into this match. Borussia Monchengladbach will need to produce an exceptional performance to disrupt Leverkusen’s rhythm and secure a positive result. However, Leverkusen’s firepower and tactical superiority could prove too much for the hosts to handle.

Final Prediction: Total- 2 goals or above

This opening fixture promises to be an exciting contest as Bayer Leverkusen aims to start their title defense on a positive note, while Borussia Monchengladbach will hope to defy the odds and spring a surprise.