Bayer Leverkusen's Recent Streak of Successes: Uncovering the Transformation Process
In 2024, Bayer Leverkusen wrapped up the season spectacularly. Over the weekend, they responded to Bayern Munich's 5-1 triumph over RB Leipzig with a splendid 5-1 drubbing of SC Freiburg. While the fact that Florian Wirtz scored at the 51st minute was expected, Patrik Schick's four-goal spree (at the 45th, 67th, 74th, and 77th minutes) was a star performance. The lone goal for Freiburg was scored by Vincenzo Grifo at the 55th minute.
"When a striker scores four goals, you can't grumble," Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso noted. "Patrik also does a lot of hard work off the ball, and when he does that well, he scores the goals. He aids the team, and they create opportunities for him."
The outcome against Freiburg places Bayer Leverkusen in second place, just four points behind Bayern Munich as the season takes a winter break. This is quite a turnaround for Leverkusen – a team that was undefeated last year but struggled in the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
Leverkusen went through the entire season without a defeat from then on, until they lost on matchday 2 to RB Leipzig. The 1-1 draw in Munich on matchday 5 was predictable, but the 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel on the next matchday was an unexpected blow.
Three more draws followed – a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen on matchday 8, a scoreless draw against Stuttgart on matchday 9, and a 1-1 draw against VfL Bochum – representing yet another two points wasted.
After Bayern Munich had built a nine-point lead in the standings, the Bundesliga title seemed out of reach for Leverkusen. But a run of five consecutive victories, punctuated by Bayern dropping points, brought Leverkusen's deficit down to just four points.
What has changed? One significant factor is the resurgence of Czech striker Schick. During Leverkusen's five-game winning streak, Schick featured in four games, missing only the 2-1 win against St. Pauli. In this stretch, Schick has netted nine goals.
Schick has scored a goal every 56 minutes this season, according to the Transfermarkt database. Among strikers with ten goals or more, Schick leads Harry Kane (who scores every 75 minutes) and the Egyptian sensation Omar Marmoush (who scores every 98 minutes).
More importantly, Schick has been more efficient than his teammate Victor Boniface. Despite Boniface being a key player in Leverkusen's title-winning campaign last year, Boniface missed time with an injury and has struggled to find form since. There's a sense that Schick is a better fit in Leverkusen's attacking play. Schick's return to top form has played a significant role in Leverkusen's resurgence as a title contender this season.
Another key factor in Leverkusen's turnaround is Granit Xhaka. The 32-year-old Swiss midfielder was hobbled during the Euros and struggled at the start of the new season. His injury concerns have now faded away, as Xhaka formed a vital part of Leverkusen's 1-0 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League and then against Augsburg last week.
On Saturday, Xhaka completed 94% of his passes and had 92 touches against Freiburg. With Xhaka back to his best, Leverkusen possesses more midfield stability, which has also led to improved defensive stability.
According to Kicker magazine, Leverkusen's expected goals against (xGa) dropped from 1.24 to 0.8 heading into the game against Freiburg. Freiburg still managed to score, but the expected goals in Leverkusen's favor were 2.89 to 0.68.
In summary, Leverkusen's success can be attributed to several factors. With Schick fully fit, they have one of the most impactful strikers in German football. Xhaka's return to fitness has provided more stability in midfield, which has also helped alleviate pressure on the defensive line. Additionally, Leverkusen seems to have adjusted to the new Champions League format. The second half of the season promises to be thrilling, as Bayern remains within a four-point reach.
After the impressive performance of Patrik Schick, who scored four goals against SC Freiburg, Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso praised his hard work off the ball, stating, "When a striker scores four goals, you can't grumble. Patrik also does a lot of hard work off the ball, and when he does that well, he scores the goals." Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka's return to form in midfield has been crucial for Leverkusen's resurgence. Against Freiburg, Xhaka completed 94% of his passes, providing more stability in the midfield and helping Leverkusen maintain a lower expected goals against (xGa) heading into the game.
With Patrik Schick leading the way up front and Granit Xhaka providing stability in midfield, Bayer Leverkusen's title challenge in the Bundesliga continues to gain momentum. Their resurgence has seen them climb to second place, just four points behind leaders Bayern Munich, and with the second half of the season approaching, the title race promises to be thrilling. As Patrik Schick continues to impress with his goal-scoring spree and Granit Xhaka maintains his form, Bayer Leverkusen fans will be eager to see how their team challenges for the Bundesliga title in 2024.
