Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | Pre Match

Borussia Dortmund Host Bayer Leverkusen in Bundesliga Curtain Raiser

The Bundesliga returns from its winter break with a high-stakes encounter as Borussia Dortmund welcome reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen to Signal Iduna Park on Friday evening. With both teams vying for pivotal points, this matchup promises to set the tone for the second half of the season, especially given the contrasting fortunes of the two sides so far.

Dortmund find themselves in sixth place, having collected 25 points from 15 games, a position reflective of their inconsistent campaign. However, they head into this fixture on the back of a morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Wolfsburg just before the break. Leverkusen, on the other hand, are firmly in the title race, sitting second with 32 points, only four points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich. Their dominant 5-1 victory against Freiburg before the break highlighted their attacking prowess and cemented their status as one of the most formidable sides in Germany.

Dortmund’s Quest for Consistency

Under the guidance of head coach Nuri Sahin, Dortmund have been plagued by inconsistency, winning only one of their last five matches before their clash with Wolfsburg. The team’s performance against Wolfsburg, however, provided a glimpse of their potential. A dominant first half saw Dortmund generate nearly three expected goals (xG) and score three times within five minutes. Although they were reduced to 10 men in the second half, they held firm to secure a much-needed victory.

Despite their attacking firepower, Dortmund’s offensive output has been underwhelming by their standards. With 28 goals scored in 15 matches, they rank as the joint-sixth best attacking team in the league. At their current pace, they are on track to record their lowest goal tally since the 2014-15 season, when they scored just 47 times and finished seventh. Julian Brandt, a key figure in their attack, recently emphasized the team’s need for maturity, stating, “It’s not like everything is completely bad. It’s just that we have to learn to grow up.”

Defensively, Dortmund’s struggles have been evident. They have conceded 22 goals this season, giving them the eighth-best defensive record in the league. With only three clean sheets in 15 matches, their backline remains a concern. Adding to their woes, they have failed to win any of their last three home fixtures, drawing two and losing one. While Signal Iduna Park has historically been a fortress for Dortmund, their inconsistent form on home turf this season has raised questions about their ability to capitalize on their home advantage.

Leverkusen’s Resurgence Under Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, have been a team on the rise. Their commanding 5-1 win over Freiburg, which featured a four-goal masterclass from Patrik Schick, showcased their attacking depth and adaptability. Alonso hailed the result as a turning point, remarking, “It was a very important victory for us today. We wanted to go into the break with a good feeling, and we managed that. We will continue to attack in the New Year.”

Leverkusen’s form has been nothing short of stellar in recent weeks. They have won their last eight matches across all competitions, including five consecutive victories in the Bundesliga. This impressive run has allowed them to capitalize on Bayern Munich’s recent slip-ups, keeping the title race alive. Their attacking unit has been particularly effective, netting 16 goals in their last five league games. However, defensive lapses remain a concern, as they have kept just one clean sheet during the same period.

While their recent away form has been strong, with three consecutive victories, it is worth noting that Leverkusen struggled on the road earlier in the season, failing to win any of their previous five away matches before this streak. This inconsistency could prove pivotal against a Dortmund side eager to reclaim dominance at home.

Injury Concerns and Key Players

Dortmund’s injury concerns have eased slightly, but they will still be without key midfielder Pascal Gross, who is suspended following his red card against Wolfsburg. Additionally, central defender Niklas Süle remains sidelined with an ankle injury. Head coach Nuri Sahin is expected to rely on Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck as the central defensive pairing, while Emre Can and Felix Nmecha are likely to provide cover in midfield.

Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is set to start in the attacking third, while Julian Brandt will play a critical role in linking midfield and attack. Striker Serhou Guirassy, who has shown glimpses of promise this season, will shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities.

Leverkusen have their share of injury woes as well. Amine Adli is unavailable, but Victor Boniface could return to the squad if he passes a late fitness test. Patrik Schick, fresh off his four-goal performance against Freiburg, is expected to lead the line once again, supported by the creative Florian Wirtz and Nathan Tella. In defense, the trio of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié will aim to provide stability. Granit Xhaka, a doubt for this fixture, could feature alongside Exequiel Palacios in midfield if deemed fit.

Tactical Matchup and Historical Context

The clash between Dortmund and Leverkusen promises to be a tactical battle. Dortmund will look to exploit their home advantage by pressing high and capitalizing on transitions, a strategy that worked well against Wolfsburg. Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s fluid attacking system, built around Schick’s clinical finishing and Wirtz’s playmaking abilities, poses a significant threat.

Historically, matches between these two sides have often been high-scoring affairs, reflecting their attacking philosophies. Dortmund will take confidence from their strong record at Signal Iduna Park, despite their recent struggles. Leverkusen, however, will draw motivation from their current momentum and the opportunity to close the gap on Bayern Munich.

Implications for the Season

For Dortmund, this match represents a chance to rejuvenate their campaign. A victory would not only boost their position in the table but also signal their intent to challenge for a top-four finish. Failure to secure all three points, however, would deepen their inconsistency and increase pressure on Sahin as the season progresses.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, have their sights firmly set on the title. A win would keep them within touching distance of Bayern Munich and reinforce their credentials as genuine contenders. Alonso’s side will be aware that any slip-up could allow Bayern to extend their lead, making this fixture a must-win for the reigning champions.

Conclusion

As Dortmund and Leverkusen prepare to face off, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams are at crucial junctures in their respective campaigns, and the outcome of this match could have significant ramifications for their aspirations. For the fans at Signal Iduna Park, it promises to be an electrifying evening, filled with drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises. Whether Dortmund can rediscover their home form or Leverkusen can maintain their remarkable run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this is a match that neither side can afford to lose.