Bayern relishing another chance to show their might against Leverkusen in Bundesliga
BERLIN: Indomitable this season, Bayern Munich have another chance to demonstrate their superiority when Bayer Leverkusen visit in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Leverkusen ended Bayern’s record 11-year run as champion in 2024, but the Bavarian powerhouse wrested the title back last season and Leverkusen have undergone a summer transformation after losing key players. While Bayern look even stronger in Vincent Kompany’s second season in charge — 14 wins across all games including the German Supercup so far — Leverkusen are already on to their second coach after making a botched start under Erik ten Hag. Kasper Hjulmand has steadied the team, which have won their last four Bundesliga games but were humbled 7-2 at home by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Another Bundesliga challenge is not expected from Leverkusen this season. Key matchups Bayern warmed up by beating Cologne 4-1 in the German Cup, where Leverkusen were taken to extra time by 10-man second-division side Paderborn before eventually prevailing 4-2. There’s a clash between second and third on Saturday when Leipzig host Stuttgart. Germany forward Deniz Undav is back for Stuttgart. Augsburg coach Sandro Wagner must fear for his job before Borussia Dortmund’s visit on Friday after his team’s German Cup exit to second-division Bochum just days after a 6-0 hiding at home to Leipzig.