Bayer Leverkusen Set To Host Borussia Dortmund In Clash Of Bayern Hunters

Bayer Leverkusen welcome Borussia Dortmund on Sunday with the hosts sitting clear atop the Bundesliga table, having dropped just two of a possible 36 points to start the season. Although only two points ahead of a Harry Kane-powered Bayern Munich, Leverkusen are already a whopping ten points in front of Dortmund, with only 12 matches played. While many have credited manager Xabi Alonso for giving Leverkusen's long-suffering fans hope of adding to a sparse trophy cabinet, a shrewd summer recruitment drive has also set them up for success.

Using the proceeds of Moussa Diaby's sale to Aston Villa, Leverkusen brought in striker Victor Boniface, winger Jonas Hofmann, midfielder Granit Xhaka, while Alex Grimaldo joined from Benfica on a free.

Alonso hailed the summer additions' "football intelligence", telling AFP and other media in an interview "we knew they were going to have an almost instant influence on our game".

"We have signed very strategic players to give us stability... to be more efficient and consistent. That gives you the possibility to be more regular in the Bundesliga."

Since the transfer window closed, German media has reported that each of the quartet were rejected by Dortmund in the summer -- other than Hofmann, who had two previous stints at Signal Iduna Park.

Criticism has grown, particularly with Dortmund's new additions Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer and Ramy Bensebaini showing indifferent form and failing to fill the gap left by budding superstar Jude Bellingham.

The architect of Leverkusen's summer transfer window, sporting director Simon Rolfes, had his contract extended to 2028 on Tuesday, a reflection of the former player's efforts.

Rolfes, who played 377 times for Leverkusen, said his side had