As I entered the BayArena on Saturday, I was struck by how familiar and welcoming the place felt. It's amazing how, even if people don't know your name, they remember the same warmth that was present in the crowd. Press staff greeted me like old friends. It was clear that the excitement from last season still lingered, reminding me of the incredible football that Bayer Leverkusen brought to the pitch.
Last season, Leverkusen became a team that we couldn't ignore. Their football, marked by Xabi Alonso's unique style, was a blend of precision and passion. Their never-give-up attitude was evident. So it was no surprise when they once again pulled off an exciting comeback in the DFL Supercup against VfB Stuttgart, even after playing most of the match with just ten players.
Patrik Schick's late goal and the calm way the team handled the penalty shootout showed that they are more than just a surprise. They have raised the bar and seem ready to maintain their form this season, with new signings like Aleix García. Known for his skillful midfield play, Leverkusen's squad looks stronger than ever. Despite some suggesting that their success last season was a fluke, it is clear that they have earned their place among the elite of the Bundesliga.
Despite losing key players like Waldemar Anton and Serhou Guirassy, Stuttgart still impressed me with their performance. Coach Sebastian Hoeness and his team, bolstered by smart acquisitions like Deniz Undav, are ready to make their mark. Their ability to perform under pressure speaks volumes about their quality.
The recent Supercup was a significant moment, as it was the first time since 2011 that Bayern Munich was not in the final. This raises the big question: can Bayern recover after a turbulent season with new coach Vincent Kompany at the helm? After some changes to the squad, including the departure of Matthijs de Ligt and the arrival of João Palhinha, the future of Bayern under Kompany has a lot to prove, and it will be interesting to see if he can stabilize the defense and guide Bayern back to the top.
While Bayern focuses on strengthening their squad, including a significant victory in the Pokal, other teams like Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also gearing up for a competitive season. Dortmund's new coach, Nuri Sahin, takes on a challenging role, and Leipzig's decision to retain Xavi Simons shows that they are not backing down.
The Bundesliga kicks off with Leverkusen facing Borussia Monchengladbach, and I am looking forward to seeing if they can continue their impressive run. With solid preparation and a strong squad, I believe Leverkusen has everything it takes to stand out this season.
