Bayer Leverkusen's 2-0 win over Augsburg - their fourth victory on the bounce - reignited their title defence. - © Sebastian Widmann

bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen back in the title race as Bayern Munich falter

15.12.2024

With Bayern Munich falling to 2-1 to Mainz in their first defeat of the season, Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen managed to cut the Bavarians' lead atop the Bundesliga standings to just four points, reigniting the race for the title.

Heading into Matchday 14, Bayer 04 Leverkusen were sitting third, seven points off the ruthless pace being set by undefeated Bayern, but the league leaders' shock 2-1 defeat in Mainz - coupled with Die Werkself's assured 2-0 win away to Augsburg - has the defending champions sitting in second on Saturday evening. Riding a four-match win streak, Leverkusen are breathing down the necks of the Harry Kane-less league leaders and sit two points clear of third-placed Frankfurt, who fell 2-1 to RB Leipzig.

Watch: Bayern Munich come unstuck in Mainz

Meanwhile, Bayern have won just one of their last three, and now that both sides have tasted defeat once this season - Leverkusen losing back on Matchday 2, 3-2 at home to Leipzig - it is only the number of times that they have drawn matches that separates the two sides. Leverkusen have five draws to Bayern's three, leaving the gap at just four points.

With such narrow margins involved, every detail is crucial and Alonso feels that he and his side have done a good job of adapting to the adversity that has come their way this season - while still pushing forward.

Watch: Alonso on Leverkusen's learning their lessons

"For sure there were a couple of games that we could have done better in, but that's normal. I don't think that we are an exception. It happens to many, many teams," he explained after the win in Augsburg. "The good thing is that we have learned from them and we are taking the lessons to be more consistent, to be more mature and to play the games and not concede that much. That's the way we want to continue."

Christmas crunch time

Leverkusen will be looking for a fifth-straight win at home to Freiburg on Matchday 15, and while the league's fifth-placed side will certainly be no easy beats, Alonso and his charges have some hope of making up further ground on Bayern - who face a formidable challenge in the form of RB Leipzig.

While the Bavarians will also be playing at home, there is a still a question mark concerning the fitness of Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane. The influential Englishman, who was out of action as Vincent Kompany's side fell 1-0 to Leverkusen in the DFB Cup on 3 December, was once again sorely missed as the defeat to Mainz played out.

Current Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane has been sorely missed while out with a muscular issue since 1 December. - IMAGO/Anke Waelischmiller/Sven Simon

While a resurgence from the very dangerous Frankfurt and/or Leipzig can not be ruled out, Leverkusen will surely see their next match as a gilt-edged chance to convert their strong form and strike another statement in their bid to retain the Bundesliga crown. Game on!