Walking into the BayArena on Saturday, I was struck by how familiar and welcoming the place felt. It’s amazing how, even if people don’t know your name, they remember your face. The same warmth was there in the crowd, with stewards and press workers greeting me like old friends. It was clear that the excitement from last season still lingered, reminding me of the incredible football Bayer Leverkusen brought to the pitch.
Last season, Leverkusen became a team we couldn’t ignore. Their football, marked by Xabi Alonso’s unique style, was a blend of precision and passion. They excelled at dramatic finishes, scoring 20 goals in the dying minutes of games, a testament to their never-give-up attitude. So, it was no surprise when they once again pulled off a thrilling comeback in the DFL-Supercup against VfB Stuttgart, even after playing most of the match with just ten players.
Patrik Schick’s late goal and the team’s cool handling of the penalty shootout showed they’re more than just a flash in the pan. They’ve set the bar high and seem ready to maintain their form this season. With new signings like Aleix García, who’s known for his skillful midfield play, Leverkusen’s squad looks stronger than ever. Despite some suggesting their success last season was a fluke, it’s clear they’ve earned their place among the Bundesliga’s elite.
Stuttgart, despite losing key players like Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy, still impressed me with their performance. Manager Sebastian Hoeness and his team, bolstered by smart acquisitions like Deniz Undav, are set to make their mark. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure speaks volumes about their quality.
The recent Supercup was a significant moment as it was the first time since 2011 that Bayern Munich wasn’t in the final. This brings up the big question: Can Bayern bounce back after their turbulent season? With new coach Vincent Kompany at the helm and a few changes in the squad, including the departure of Matthijs de Ligt and the addition of João Palhinha, Bayern’s future is uncertain. Kompany has a lot to prove, and it will be interesting to see if he can stabilize the defense and guide Bayern back to the top.
As Bayern focuses on strengthening their squad, including a big win in the Pokal, other teams like Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also gearing up for a competitive season. Dortmund’s new coach, Nuri Sahin, is stepping into a challenging role, and Leipzig’s decision to keep Xavi Simons shows they’re not backing down.
The Bundesliga kicks off with Leverkusen facing Borussia Monchengladbach, and I’m eager to see if they can continue their impressive run. With their solid preparation and a strong squad, I believe Leverkusen has what it takes to excel this season.
