Bayer Leverkusen’s 35-match undefeated streak in the Bundesliga comes to an end after defeat to RB Leipzig
The stoppage-time magic is over for Bayer Leverkusen as their 35-match unbeaten streak in Bundesliga play came to an end on Saturday with a 3-2 loss to RB Leipzig. Lois Openda’s two goals were too much for Leverkusen despite scoring two goals in the first half of the game. This is the first defeat for Xabi Alonso’s side in league play since losing to VfL Bochum to end the 2022-23 season on May 27, 2023.
This team has come a long way from ending their Bundesliga title drought and winning the DFB Pokal, but now they will be in the Champions League if they have to beat Bayern Munich who are at the top of the league. Alonso was able to keep his team together for the clash with Vincent Kompany and Bayern, but this is a streak that had to end at some point.
It would be better to finish it early in the season before the Champions League starts because then the rotation would have to move on. Playing eight matches instead of six in the league stage would push Leverkusen’s depth to its limit, forcing Alonso to prioritise competitions.
He managed to do so when he reached the Europa League final last season, but things always get more complicated in the Champions League. This is the next frontier for Leverkusen that Alonso has to conquer as he looks to start his next winning streak after the conclusion of the international break.
