The 2024–25 Bundesliga season marks the 62nd edition of Germany’s premier football competition. Starting on August 23, 2024, and set to conclude on May 17, 2025, the league once again promises thrilling matches, fierce competition, and standout performances. The season has already captured the attention of fans worldwide, with Bayer 04 Leverkusen defending their historic 2023-24 title and other clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt, looking to challenge for supremacy.
Overview of the 2024–25 Bundesliga Season
The 2024–25 Bundesliga follows a familiar format, with each team playing 34 matches in a round-robin structure, with half of the games at home and the other half away. The season was interrupted for a short winter break after the 15th matchday on December 22, 2024, before resuming on January 10, 2025. The race for the championship, European competition spots, and relegation battle ensures constant drama throughout the season.
One of the most talked-about aspects of this season is the dominance of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, who are aiming to retain their title after an extraordinary unbeaten season in 2023-24. They face stiff competition from established clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and an ambitious Eintracht Frankfurt side, among others.
Current Standings (Top 5)
As of now, here are the top five teams in the Bundesliga standings:
-
Bayer 04 Leverkusen: 18 points (6 matches, 6 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses, +18 goal difference)
-
Bayern Munich: 15 points (6 matches, 5 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, +12 goal difference)
-
Borussia Dortmund: 13 points (6 matches, 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, +8 goal difference)
-
Eintracht Frankfurt: 13 points (6 matches, 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, +6 goal difference)
-
RB Leipzig: 12 points (6 matches, 4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses, +7 goal difference)
These standings illustrate the competitive nature of the league early in the season, with Leverkusen currently leading the charge.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen: A Club on the Rise
Bayer 04 Leverkusen, officially known as Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH, is the reigning Bundesliga champions. The club’s remarkable rise in recent years culminated in their 2024 title, which was their first-ever Bundesliga triumph, along with a DFB-Pokal victory in the same season. This achievement made them the first German team to win the domestic double while remaining unbeaten throughout the league campaign.
Under the management of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen has transformed into one of Europe’s most formidable sides. Alonso’s tactical intelligence, combined with a well-rounded squad, allowed Leverkusen to conquer the 2024 Bundesliga unbeaten, setting a new record for the most consecutive games without a loss. Their style of play, which emphasizes fluid counterattacking football, has been a key factor in their success.
Leverkusen’s strengths lie in their attack, spearheaded by the likes of Victor Boniface and Florian Wirtz. Boniface, who has already netted four goals and provided two assists in the current campaign, is a crucial component of their forward line. Wirtz, with four goals and one assist, also remains a vital creative force. Defensively, however, Leverkusen has struggled at times, conceding 12 goals in their first six matches, highlighting a need for improvement in this area.
Alonso has been vocal about the need to address these defensive lapses, acknowledging that the team’s mentality and tactical discipline must improve to retain their title. Players like Granit Xhaka, who has been pivotal in both breaking up opposition attacks and initiating forward moves, will be key in ensuring that Leverkusen maintains its competitive edge.
Eintracht Frankfurt: A Historic Club Seeking Modern Success
Eintracht Frankfurt e.V., based in Frankfurt, Hesse, is another club that has been a staple in German football. Founded in 1899, they are known for their passionate fanbase and impressive cup pedigree, having won the DFB-Pokal five times and the UEFA Europa League twice. Frankfurt has consistently challenged for European places in recent seasons, further cementing their place in the Bundesliga as one of the most resilient and exciting teams.
Managed by Dino Toppmöller, Eintracht Frankfurt has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024–25 Bundesliga season. Their counterattacking style has made them a dangerous opponent, especially against teams with high defensive lines like Leverkusen. Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike have emerged as a deadly forward duo, scoring a combined total of eight goals and four assists so far.
A key player for Frankfurt this season has been Hugo Larsson, a 20-year-old midfielder who has quickly become one of the most promising talents in the Bundesliga. Larsson’s ability to transition from defense to attack has made him invaluable to Toppmöller’s tactical setup. With two goals and a high work rate, Larsson offers the perfect balance of youth and versatility.
Frankfurt’s success this season has largely been built on their solid defensive structure. While they average 2.3 goals per game, placing them fourth in the league for scoring, they also boast one of the best defensive records, allowing only 1.5 goals per match. This combination of a strong attack and a disciplined defense could propel Frankfurt to challenge for a top-four spot.
Tactical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses of Both Clubs
When comparing Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt, the contrast in their strengths and weaknesses becomes evident. Leverkusen excels in their attacking play, with a high shot output of 115 shots over six matches, the highest in the Bundesliga standings. They also boast a positive shot differential (+46), illustrating their dominance in creating chances. However, their defense has been vulnerable, with Xabi Alonso’s side conceding an average of two goals per game, the 12th worst in the league. This vulnerability has often seen them lose leads, as evident in their recent games.
On the other hand, Eintracht Frankfurt has been more balanced, with a stronger defense complemented by a counterattacking offense. Their ability to exploit teams on the break has made them one of the most effective teams in transition, with Marmoush and Ekitike leading the charge. Frankfurt has also been efficient in converting their chances, despite having fewer total shots than Leverkusen.
In the midfield, Granit Xhaka of Leverkusen is a dominant force, providing leadership and defensive solidity. His 48 successful tackles and relentless pressing make him indispensable to Alonso’s system. However, Hugo Larsson has proven to be a rising star for Frankfurt, matching Xhaka’s passing efficiency (91%) and offering more attacking output with two goals already this season.
Conclusion: Who Holds the Advantage?
As the 2024–25 Bundesliga season progresses, both Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are well-positioned to have strong campaigns. Leverkusen, with their attacking firepower, are among the favorites to retain their title, but their defensive issues could prove to be their downfall. Conversely, Frankfurt’s solid defense and potent counterattack make them a formidable opponent for any team.
Ultimately, the clash between these two sides on October 19, 2024, will serve as a litmus test for their respective ambitions. Can Bayer Leverkusen tighten up defensively and continue their reign as Bundesliga champions, or will Eintracht Frankfurt capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses and push for a top-four finish? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2024–25 Bundesliga promises to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.
