Bayern Munich Stirred by Underdog Status
Bayern Munich, the powerhouse of German football, finds itself in an unusual position as it gears up for its Champions League last 16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen. The German giants, known for their dominance in domestic and European competitions, are being tipped as the underdogs in this high-stakes encounter. This has not sat well with the Bavarians, particularly with the club hosting the final this year. Bayern’s rich history and vast resources usually make them the favorites whenever they face off against other German teams, but recent form and results have shifted the narrative.
A History of Rivalry
Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen have a storied history, marked by intense competition and mutual respect. Since Xabi Alonso took over as Leverkusen’s manager in October 2022, the relationship has become even more charged. Alonso, who played for Bayern for three seasons, has a perfect record against his former club as a manager, with three wins and three draws. This remarkable record extends his personal history with Bayern, where he never lost against Leverkusen during his playing days. The recent encounters have been particularly significant, with Leverkusen eliminating Bayern from the German Cup in a 1-0 win in Munich in December. This match saw Bayern captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer receive his first red card after a rash challenge on Jeremie Frimpong, which also left him with a broken rib. The emotional and physical toll of these matches has clearly affected Bayern.
The Pressure Mounts
The current form of both teams adds to the pressure. In February, Bayern traveled to Leverkusen and were thoroughly outplayed, failing to register a single shot on target for just the second time in a league game since 1992. Despite this, the match ended in a scoreless draw, which allowed Bayern to maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga. This pragmatic approach under coach Vincent Kompany has kept Bayern on track to win back the league title, but it has also raised questions about their Champions League credentials. Bayern’s performance in the competition has been mixed, with losses to Barcelona, Aston Villa, and Feyenoord away from home. In mid-February, they needed a stoppage-time goal from Alphonso Davies to draw 1-1 with Celtic at home, avoiding extra time by the thinnest of margins.
Thomas Mueller’s Perspective
Veteran midfielder Thomas Mueller, a two-time Champions League winner with Bayern, addressed the underdog status head-on. Mueller, known for his sharp wit and competitive spirit, suggested that those tipping Leverkusen to advance were not seeing the full picture. "Leverkusen are very clearly the favourites if you listen to German pundits," Mueller said on Friday. "And we, the absolute underdogs, obviously want to prove ourselves. Right, dear pundits? We shall see." In his regular newsletter to fans, Mueller added that it is "emotionally special to play against our biggest domestic rival on the big stage." He emphasized that while the match is about winning, it also carries significant prestige. "The little taunts between the two clubs are quite entertaining," he noted, reflecting on his fondness for such rivalries as a child and fan.
Expert Opinions Weigh In
Former Germany midfielder Michael Ballack, who played for both Bayern and Leverkusen, offered a balanced view. Ballack, who lost the Champions League final with Leverkusen against Real Madrid in 2002, noted that despite the current form, Bayern cannot be counted out. "Many are betting on Leverkusen, but in my eyes, Bayern are never outsiders, no matter what shape they’re in," he said. Ballack acknowledged Bayern’s recent improvements, pointing to their wins against Frankfurt and Stuttgart in the league. He believes the teams are on equal footing as they prepare for the clash. "Bayer is on a par with Bayern," Ballack added, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of the upcoming matches.
Preparing for a Monumental Clash
As the pressure intensifies, both teams are focused on delivering their best performances. For Bayern Munich, the match is not just about advancing in the Champions League but also about proving their mettle against their domestic rivals. The Bavarians, known for their resilience and adaptability, will be looking to leverage their home advantage and the passionate support of their fans. For Bayer Leverkusen, the opportunity to upset the favorites and progress to the quarter-finals is a chance to write a new chapter in the club’s history. The stakes are high, and the football world will be watching as these two giants of German football clash on the big stage.
