Can Bayer Leverkusen really win the Bundesliga title and end Bayern Munich's more than ten-year reign on the "Iron Throne"? After Borussia Dortmund lost 2-3 at home to Leverkusen, this question has not only been put on the table but also seen by many as the biggest suspense of the Bundesliga this season.
With a 9-game winning streak, sharp offense, tougher defense, and Alonso gradually finding his footing as coach... With so many "good cards," can Leverkusen take the championship with one mighty push? But at the same time, Bayern is not without its trump cards. The narrow gap of 1 point makes this chase for the championship full of excitement, and the slump of Dortmund makes this battle for hegemony particularly lively.
If there were still doubts about Leverkusen's strength at the beginning of the season, then this recent 9-game winning streak has directly silenced those voices. Especially in this match against Dortmund, from suppressing the opponent to finally securing victory, Leverkusen gave people hope of the return of a king.
From the strong advancement in the DFB-Pokal to the friendly match victory over Inter Milan, and then to the league victories, their record speaks for itself: This team is no longer a second-rate squad that "drops the ball at critical moments," but rather a dagger sharpened to perfection.
Looking at the players' performances, it's truly a sight that makes you exclaim "delicious" while watching. Hickey is the brightest among them. Not only did he score a crucial goal in the game, but he also frequently created threatening opportunities, like an unstoppable offensive machine. The data proves it; in the past 9 games, Hickey has been directly involved in more than 10 goals, including several key goals that determined victory or defeat.
As for Giroud, he cherishes every shooting opportunity like a miser, with an extremely high grasp rate. It must be admired; such a combination of players is simply a "Dream Team of the Bundesliga."
But Leverkusen's rise is not just about "partying" on the offensive end. In the past, fans often complained that they were "making a lot of noise upfront but a mess behind," but this season, their defense is as stable as if they've had a soul swap! In the past 9 games, they've only conceded 7 goals, an efficiency that ranks top in the entire Bundesliga. Especially in the match against Inter Milan, the goalkeeper's several miraculous saves had the fans' blood boiling. They can attack and defend, making it hard for Leverkusen not to stand out.
Of course, it's not enough to just have the players working hard; a team needs someone to lead the way, and Leverkusen's "leader" is Alonso. To be honest, there were still many people ridiculing him as "just a pretty boy coach" not long ago, and even media articles suggested that Leverkusen should replace him. However, as the saying goes, "Fortune turns the wheel," and now these voices of doubt can automatically fade away.
Alonso is not the type of coach who talks about fancy tactical terms; he understands how to practically and efficiently deploy his players. Some might say, "This is just a lucky period for a rookie coach." But when he led the team to consecutive victories over Bayern and Inter Milan, he also made everyone understand that it relies on hard power, not just luck.
Especially in the match against Bayern, Leverkusen not only won beautifully but also exposed Bayern's tactical weaknesses clearly. Alonso's control of the rhythm of the game and the precision of his halftime substitutions allowed people to feel the shadow of his strength compared to famous coaches.
In a sense, Alonso's transformation is very similar to Guardiola back then, once a field commander, now a controller on the sidelines. He seems to have a demeanor of "cooking water without making a sound," always carrying out efficient tactical maneuvers when opponents are off guard, ultimately crushing them on the field with thunderous force.
It's said that "the scenery here is unique," but where there's laughter, there's also sorrow. Leverkusen's fiery form has directly put Bayern in a state of "strong enemies outside and hidden dangers within." Bayern has occupied the Bundesliga championship for more than a decade, and if they were to be intercepted by Leverkusen this time, it would be quite embarrassing.
What's even more concerning is whether Kane can fulfill his dream of winning the coveted league championship - after all, this was one of the reasons he chose to leave his hometown in England.
Kane's abilities are beyond doubt, and his joining Bayern has indeed brought significant changes to the team. However, Bayern still has some "hidden injuries." The team's midfield and backline coordination efficiency is obviously not as good as in previous years, coupled with several core players experiencing ups and downs in form this season. Although their attack and defense balance looks "okay," they often seem somewhat powerless when facing tougher opponents. This may also be why Tuchel is now being "concerned" multiple times by Bayern's internal management.
As for Kane's championship dream? It doesn't look that simple now. As a player who narrowly missed championships repeatedly during his Tottenham career, Kane carries the expectations of too many people. But precisely because of this, the pressure is greater. Once Bayern eventually loses the championship, imagine the torrent of accusations he will face? It's as if bad luck follows him wherever he goes.
If Leverkusen is considered the "dark horse" of this season, then Dortmund is the most tragic "veteran powerhouse" that has fallen behind. After losing to Leverkusen, their points remained at 25, watching helplessly as the teams ahead pull further away. If last season they still gained numerous fans by challenging Bayern, this season's performance is nothing like a championship contender, and it's exhausting just to watch.
This season, Dortmund almost always "drops the ball" when playing against strong teams, appearing timid in mentality or lacking depth in the lineup. Excessive personnel adjustments have also made their lineup integration insufficient, with team morale plummeting. Looking at it now, they not only have no hope of winning the championship but even their Champions League spot is uncertain. In contrast, Leverkusen's strong rise makes Dortmund seem even more out of sync with the "rhythm of the times."
So, to reiterate the question, can Leverkusen shake Bayern's reign this season? In terms of hard power, Leverkusen is undoubtedly a team with a championship aura. But whether they can withstand the pressure of a long season and handle details more meticulously, these may be the keys to their success or failure. As for Bayern? Even if their form is not as good as in previous years, their accumulated heritage and championship experience over the years are still not to be underestimated.
Currently, the expectations of most German media and fans for Leverkusen are continuously rising, and many have even shouted slogans like "Breaking Bayern's Monopoly." However, winning the championship is not achieved by shouting slogans. Whether Leverkusen has what it takes will depend on whether they can maintain their momentum in the coming games, especially whether they can withstand the tidal wave of pressure on a psychological level.
Therefore, this contest where the outcome is uncertain is getting more and more exciting to watch. I just want to say that the future is promising, the suspense is full, and let's wait and see!
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