This Saturday, Bayer Leverkusen will face Augsburg in what promises to be an intriguing Bundesliga encounter. Leverkusen, currently sitting at the summit of the Bundesliga with 84 points from 32 games, are having a season to remember. Under the astute management of Xabi Alonso, they have clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title with games to spare, setting the stage for a historic campaign.
Date: 18/05/2024
Kick-off time: 14:30
Location: BayArena
Bayer Leverkusen’s achievement is nothing short of spectacular. The club have not only secured the Bundesliga title but has done so without tasting defeat in any league match so far this season. This unbeaten run, with just two matches remaining, positions them on the brink of an unprecedented feat in German football history. No team has ever completed a Bundesliga season unbeaten, and Leverkusen are now tantalisingly close to this remarkable accomplishment.
Leverkusen’s success has been built on a foundation of resilience and flair, often securing wins and draws with dramatic goals in the dying moments of injury-time. This tenacity and determination have characterised their campaign, making them a formidable force both domestically and in European competitions.
Leverkusen’s aspirations extend beyond the Bundesliga. The team is also eyeing an unbeaten treble, with a place in the finals of both the DFB-Pokal and the Europa League. Remarkably, they have maintained their unbeaten record in these competitions as well, showcasing their consistency and strength across different tournaments.
Key to their success has been the brilliance of several standout players. Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, dazzling fans and scouts alike with his creativity and vision. Left wing-back Álex Grimaldo has been instrumental in both defence and attack, while midfielder Granit Xhaka has brought experience and stability to the midfield.
In contrast, Augsburg find themselves in 10th place in the Bundesliga, having accumulated 39 points from 33 games. Managed by Jess Thorup, Augsburg have enjoyed a solid season, improving on last year’s points tally by five points. With nothing left to play for this season, their focus will be on finishing the campaign on a positive note and building momentum for the next.
When it comes to recent head-to-head meetings, the encounters between Leverkusen and Augsburg have been fairly balanced. Leverkusen have won three of the last five meetings, while Augsburg have managed to secure victory in the remaining two. Their last meeting earlier this season saw Leverkusen edge out a narrow 1-0 win, reflecting the competitive nature of their clashes.
Leverkusen’s tactical approach under Xabi Alonso has been marked by a blend of attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Their ability to score crucial goals late in games is indicative of their fitness levels and mental strength. Florian Wirtz’s role as the creative lynchpin has been crucial, with his ability to unlock defences and provide key assists.
Álex Grimaldo’s contributions from the left flank have added another dimension to their play, with his overlapping runs and precise crosses causing problems for opponents. Granit Xhaka’s presence in midfield has provided a balance between defence and attack, often dictating the tempo of the game and breaking up opposition plays.
Augsburg, under Jess Thorup, have demonstrated a similarly confident and attacking style of play to that of Leverkusen, albeit different in application. Their ability to better last season’s points tally is a testament to their improved consistency. Key players for Augsburg include their captain, Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, who has been a steadying influence in defence, and striker Ermedin Demirovic who has been pivotal in leading the line and scoring crucial goals, leading the team's goalscoring charts with 15 in the league.
For Bayer Leverkusen, this match represents another step towards an invincible season. Their focus will be on maintaining their unbeaten record and continuing their momentum as they approach the finals of the DFB-Pokal and Europa League. A win or even a draw would keep their historic unbeaten run intact, adding another chapter to their already impressive season.
For Augsburg, the match is an opportunity to measure themselves against the best team in the league and to potentially cause an upset. While they have no tangible objectives left this season, a positive result against the champions would be a significant morale boost and a strong foundation for next season.
Bundesliga 
