Bundesliga - Key game in the title fight: BVB under pressure against Bayer
A premature farewell to the championship race or an encouraging start to another race to catch up? Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday (17:30/DAZN) will be a key match.
A defeat would see the gap between the fourth-placed team and the unbeaten leaders grow to an unassailable 13 points. Despite all the respect for the tricky task, Hans-Joachim Watzke is fighting fit. "This is a top match, against a top team. But we have the opportunity on Sunday to see whether they really can't be beaten. In any case, it has always worked out quite well in recent years," said the BVB boss, referring to four wins against the Werkself in the previous five games.
Great respect for Leverkusen
At the beginning of the year, the team of soccer coach Edin Terzic already showed comeback qualities, made up a similar points deficit and was closer to the championship than it had been for a long time. But this season, the competition appears to be much more stable. "A year ago, the league leaders had 26 points after twelve match days. Now we would only be two points behind them," said Watzke,"Bayer Leverkusen are doing exceptionally well. You have to recognize that. If you win eleven out of twelve games and draw once, that's extraordinary."
Mats Hummels is approaching the sold-out match with similar respect. The Dortmund defender believes the task in the BayArena is even tougher than the one in San Siro, where BVB took fresh courage for the Bundesliga on Tuesday with a 3:1 win over AC Milan in the Champions League: "Leverkusen are a team that currently has to be rated above Milan. They play fantastic soccer. In Germany, that's the toughest task at the moment."
Nevertheless, the 34-year-old veteran believes his team has a good chance of overcoming the high hurdle. In his opinion, BVB's strength on the road has improved significantly: "A few years ago, we often fell away in difficult away games when the going got tough. You can't accuse us of that at all this season."
Kehl: "We've become more resilient"
However, the indisputable performances against Munich (0:4) and in Stuttgart (1:2) just a few weeks ago raised doubts among experts as to whether BVB could once again intervene in the title fight. According to sporting director Sebastian Kehl, however, the team is well on the way to dispelling these doubts: "We are more stable again, we have become more resilient."
Unlike in previous years, the Werkself will be the favorites in the West German duel. Despite the advantageous starting position, coach Xabi Alonso did not want to talk about a game that would point the way ahead. "There is a gap, but there is still a lot of time until May," said the Spanish coach with his usual restraint after the 2:0 win in the Europa League at Swedish cup winners BK Häcken. "The goal is three more points for us. If we achieve that goal, we'll be in a great position."
The recent upward trend is fuelling confidence that they can continue their winning streak against BVB. When asked what he expected from the match, striker Jonas Hofmann replied with a smile: "It will be tough for them." The former Dortmund player added nonchalantly: "They always say it should be exciting. I don't hope it will be, but that it will go our way."
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- The upcoming Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday is conceived as a crucial 'title fight' game for BVB.
- Germany's Hans-Joachim Watzke, the BVB boss, acknowledges the challenge presented by Bayer Leverkusen, yet expresses optimism, drawing parallels from their previous victories.
- Watzke maintains that Bayer Leverkusen has shown exceptional form in the Bundesliga, which makes their upcoming clash against Dortmund all the more crucial.
- Mats Hummels, a Dortmund defender, identifies Bayer Leverkusen as a superior team compared to AC Milan, making the upcoming match a tougher challenge.
- Despite recognizing Bayer Leverkusen's prowess, Hummels believes Dortmund has the potential to overcome their opponents in the BayArena.
- Sebastian Kehl, BVB's sporting director, reflects on the team's recent resurgence, asserting they've become more stable and resilient.
- Bayer Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, downplays the significance of the clash, focusing on earning points instead of considering its implications for the title race.
- Striker Jonas Hofmann, a former Dortmund player, is confident of Bayer Leverkusen's chances against Borussia Dortmund, indicating that the visitors should brace for an exciting match.
- The clash between Dortmund and Leverkusen will be broadcast on DAZN, offering soccer enthusiasts in North Rhine-Westphalia and beyond an opportunity to witness the key game.
- Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are both aiming to secure three valuable points in the title race, with the ultimate goal of shining in Germany's Bundesliga.
Source: www.stern.de
