Leverkusen took the world by storm last season. Leverkusen went undefeated in the Bundesliga to win the club’s first league title, cruised through the DFB-Pokal to claim the domestic double, and suffered their only loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta. Leverkusen built its title squad on a defense that only allowed 24 goals, led by Bayern Munich transfer target Jonathan Tah.

However, the miracle run required goals in the 85th minute or later on 12 different occasions, which will be nearly impossible to replicate. One of those goals was a stoppage time penalty kick to salvage a 2-2 tie in Munich. Leverkusen delivered a resounding 3-0 win over Bayern in the Rückrunde that essentially ended the title race.

Leverkusen starts its title defense with five matches against the top half of the table, including Bayern and Leipzig. With the rest of the Bundesliga reloading this summer, the title race will be wide open.

Leverkusen's 2024-25 Season Preview

Manager: Xabi Alonso, 3rd year

Total market value: €668M

Starting XI market value: €492M

Formation: 3-4-3

Key Players: Florian Wirtz, midfielder; Jonathan Tah, center-back; Jeremie Frimpong, wing back

Key Additions: Martin Terrier, winger (€20M transfer, Stade Rennais); Aleix Garcia, midfielder (€18M transfer, Girona); Jeanuël Belocian, center-back (€15M transfer, Stade Rennais)

Key Departures: Josip Stanisic, defender (end of loan, Bayern Munich); Borja Iglesias, forward (end of loan, Real Betis)

2023-24 Bundesliga results: 28W-6D-0L, 90 points, 89 goals, 1st place

2024-25 European competition: Champions League

Bundesliga prediction: 20W-9D-5L, 79 points, goals, 3rd place

Opening match: Away at Gladbach

Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, emphasized that last season's performance level “probably won't be enough” to achieve their goals for the new campaign.

In a press conference, the Spanish coach downplayed discussions about what might happen by the end of the 2024-2025 season in May, choosing instead to focus on the upcoming month of August. He noted that starting the season well could lead to a strong finish.

“We have many fundamentals. But these basics probably aren't enough. We need to add something, update it, and incorporate other elements. We have to evolve and improve,” Alonso stressed.

The Leverkusen manager mentioned that last season's achievements bring “responsibility” to the team, which he sees as beneficial for both the squad and the club.

“Bayer Leverkusen is now perceived differently. I see it in Spain. When I go on vacation, everyone knows about Bayer Leverkusen. I was in the Seychelles, and everyone knew what had happened during the season. This makes the club and its brand even bigger,” Alonso explained.

Alonso highlighted that he has “a good squad and some solid signings,” which he believes will “raise the level.” “Aleix García and Martin Terrier are ready to have a direct impact. And Jeanuel Belocian is hungry,” he said.

When asked about rumors linking Jonathan Tah, the team's central defender, with a move to Bayern Munich, Alonso only stated that the German is “very important,” though he acknowledged uncertainty about his future.

“On and off the field, his influence has grown significantly. This is my current stance. But I'm not blind to the situation. Let's see what happens. He's fully focused and a great professional. I have no reason to complain,” Alonso added.

The coach avoided making any firm statements about potential changes, saying, “We're prepared for whatever may happen. For now, I'm happy with the players we have,” he concluded.

The Supercup Clash: Leverkusen vs. Stuttgart

The Bundesliga's top two from last season, Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart, will contest the DFB Supercup on Saturday 17 August (kick-off 8.30pm CEST) as both sides look to start the new season strongly by winning some silverware.

The match promises to be entertaining on the basis of how enjoyable their three previous meetings in the 2023/24 season were.

Their first match-up in December of the 2023/24 season was an intense affair on the back of brilliant starts to the season, which saw Leverkusen unbeaten league leaders after 13 matches and Stuttgart just five points behind in third. 

Stuttgart were determined to make the most of their home advantage against Xabi Alonso’s exciting side. It looked like they were on the way to doing just so, as Chris Führich put the home side the lead just before half-time as he tapped in from close range after brilliant work by Josha Vagnoman on the right-hand side. Despite the 1-0 scoreline at the break, there were plenty of chances for both sides to have scored more, with Führich and Deniz Undav going close for the home side and Amine Adli and Victor Boniface forcing good saves out of Alexander Nübel.

Stuttgart’s lead didn’t last long, however, as Leverkusen came flying out of the blocks in the second half, equalising within the first ten minutes. Leverkusen’s goal was reminiscent of some Stuttgart attacking moves over the season, as a good run from Boniface allowed him to square for Führich’s future Germany teammate, Florian Wirtz, who side-footed home from around 12 yards out.

Can Leverkusen Maintain their Winning Ways?

With the Supercup on the horizon and a new season just around the corner, Bayer Leverkusen are set to make another statement in their pursuit of footballing excellence. The team's success last season has created a new standard for the club, and expectations are high for them to maintain their winning ways. However, it is going to take an extraordinary effort to repeat their improbable, undefeated run from last season. The challenge is real, and the world will be watching to see if Leverkusen can rise to the occasion.

The question remains: Can Leverkusen make it back-to-back titles?