Blazing Bayern: Bayern Munich's Commanding Start Faces Leverkusen's Challenge
30 October 2025
Bayern Set to Extend Perfect Start as Leverkusen Arrives
Bayern Munich, the defending champions, aim to keep their flawless German league record intact, but they face a stern test against Bayer Leverkusen next Saturday in the ninth round. A win would keep them moving confidently toward another title defense, while a slip could spark a premature flash of doubt among rivals.
The Bavarian giant opened the season in style, winning eight of eight and setting a European record with 14 victories from 14 across all competitions since the campaign began. They have built a fearsome rhythm, aided by a deep squad, relentless pressing, and a coach who preaches clarity and consistency. They have also stressed the importance of staying humble on the road to glory.
Captain Joshua Kimmich spoke after their 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach in round eight, saying, "We started the season with 13 competitive matches, and that is no accident." He credited the seamless integration of new players and the team’s growing chemistry, which has turned days into a sequence of confident performances.
Bayern then matched Milan’s European record for most consecutive early-season wins, achieving 13 straight victories under coach Fabio Capello in the 1992-93 campaign, and the accomplishment was toasted by the group’s practical approach and rigorous training sessions. The comparison resonated across clubs and supporters alike.
Kimmich added, "This is a reward for hard work, fruitful training, and a clear structure. We have a fantastic squad, and players coming in are ready immediately." His words reflected a sense of unity and belief that the best form of defense is a quick transition into attack.
Leverkusen enter the match seven points behind but carry a confident vibe under new Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand, who replaced Erik ten Hag after two rounds and has steadied a team that shows composure in possession and menace on the break.
Historically Bayern hold the edge, with 52 wins in 93 league meetings, while Leverkusen have claimed 20. Still, Leverkusen have not lost to the German record champions in six straight domestic clashes, a run that has turned this fixture into a genuine test of character. This fixture has extra bite because of that history.
Leverkusen, fresh from back-to-back wins after a 7-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, beat Freiburg 2-0 and then defeated Darmstadt 4-2 after extra time in the Cup, a sequence that showed resilience and growing cohesion. The squad then needed an injury-time second from substitute Ibrahim Maza (120+2) and a late strike by Alex Garcia (120+4) to seal qualification, a reminder that Cup ties can be as dramatic as the league races.
If coach Kasper Hjulmand cannot fix the defense, the trip to Allianz Arena could put Leverkusen in a tight spot, especially as their goal conceded has jumped recently, and Bayern will look to exploit that with quick transitions and coordinated pressing.
Meanwhile the race for second place remains wide open early in the season, with RB Leipzig currently atop the standings after a tumultuous start. Leipzig, recovered from an opening 6-0 defeat to Bayern, have rallied under Red Bull ownership and climbed to second, one point behind Stuttgart who host Bayern this weekend in a high-stakes clash. The city is buzzing with talk.
Dortmund, still alive in the Cup after a tense shootout win over Eintracht Frankfurt, visit Augsburg on Friday hoping to exploit direct encounters and jump from fourth place, sitting on 17 points, as both teams chase meaningful points.
Punchline time: Bayern are so far ahead that even their trophy room asks for directions to the winner's podium. Another line: Leverkusen's defense is so quiet you can hear the net sighing in relief each time the opponent misses.
