As the Bundesliga season draws towards a thrilling close, the fixture list presents a tantalising match-up this Saturday: Bayer Leverkusen, the newly crowned champions, take on Stuttgart, a team that have defied expectations to mount a strong claim for a top-four finish. This encounter promises not only to showcase the tactical nous of two respected managers, Xabi Alonso and Sebastian Hoeneß, but also to highlight the skills of some of the league's standout performers.
Date: 27/04/2024
Kick-off time: 17:30
Location: BayArena
Bayer Leverkusen have enjoyed a season of unprecedented success. Under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, the team have captured the imagination of football fans across Europe. Currently positioned at the summit of the Bundesliga with an impressive 80 points from 30 matches, Leverkusen's performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. The team's success is not limited to domestic achievements; they have also made significant strides in European and cup competitions, reaching the semi-final of the Europa League and the final of the DFB-Pokal.
This season, Leverkusen have not only secured their first-ever Bundesliga title, but they have also maintained an unbeaten streak across all competitions—a remarkable feat that could set them apart as one of the legendary teams in German football history. As they approach the season's end, Leverkusen are on the cusp of setting a new record for the highest points total in the Bundesliga, currently standing at 91 points—a record set by Bayern Munich. To surpass this milestone, Leverkusen must win all their remaining four matches.
The quest to remain unbeaten throughout a Bundesliga season adds another layer of excitement to their campaign. No team in the history of the Bundesliga has managed to finish a season without a single defeat, making Leverkusen's current run a potential landmark achievement in German football.
On the other side, Stuttgart, under the guidance of Sebastian Hoeneß, have put together an impressive campaign of their own. Sitting third in the table with 63 points from 30 games, Stuttgart have almost assured themselves a spot in next season’s Champions League. This is particularly notable given the increased allocation for German clubs, with the top five Bundesliga teams set to qualify. Stuttgart's success this season can be largely attributed to their formidable attacking duo: Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav. Guirassy, the Guinean striker, has been a revelation, netting 25 goals in the league, while Undav has contributed a commendable 17 goals. Their firepower has been central to Stuttgart's ability to compete at the top end of the table, and their performances have certainly not gone unnoticed.
The upcoming match will be a tactical battle between two managers who have each imprinted their philosophy on their teams. Alonso's Leverkusen favour a high-energy, counter-pressing style with close interplay between the attackers, whereas Hoeneß's Stuttgart are known for their possession-dominant style that utilises a sturdy mid-block setup off the back.
Leverkusen's midfield control, led by players like Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka, who has been instrumental this season in linking play between the midfield and attack, will be crucial. They will look to dominate possession and build attacks at speed. In contrast, Stuttgart might adopt a more pragmatic approach for this one, using their effective midblock to stifle Leverkusen's buildup.
In recent meetings, Bayer Leverkusen have had the upper hand over Stuttgart, winning three out of the last five encounters. However, Stuttgart have shown that they are capable of upsetting the odds, having taken two victories from those same meetings. The head-to-head record suggests a competitive match, with both sides having the quality to take all three points.
This Saturday's clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart is a showcase of the best that German football has to offer this season. For Leverkusen, the game is an opportunity to edge closer to a historic points record and an unbeaten season. For Stuttgart, it is a chance to solidify their Champions League credentials and prove their mettle against the league's best.
Bundesliga 
