After picking up a 3-2 victory over Sport-Club Freiburg at Europa-Park Stadion in their last match, Bayer 04 Leverkusen remains atop the Bundesliga table, a clear ten points ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich. A maiden Bundesliga title is coming into focus as Die Werkself can still achieve everything they set out to accomplish this season: the coveted continental treble of winning the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Europa League. Xabi Alonso’s club extended their unbeaten streak to 38 fixtures so far this season with a series of dramatic matches. Here’s how the past few games played out:
Leverkusen’s Latest Fixtures and Results
Sunday 03-Mar-2024: Leverkusen were triumphant in their derby win at Cologne, winning 2-0. The result was all but recorded as Jan Thielmann was sent off in the 14th minute, leaving the home side down a man most of the match.
Thursday 07-Marc-2024: After a lacklustre first 45 minutes, Leverkusen trailed 2-0 in their first leg with Qarabağ. But after battling back, substitute Patrik Schick provided the equaliser in stoppage time as he headed home a cross from Andrich at close range. The result gave the away side a dramatic comeback in their opening match of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 in Azerbaijan to remain undefeated.
Sunday 10-Mar-2024: A day after Bayern posted an impressive 8-1 victory over Mainz, Alonso’s side took care of business at home, defeating 10-man Wolfsburg 2-0.
Thursday 14-Mar-2024: If Leverkusen ends up claiming the treble this season, circle back to this match here. Up a man and trailing a goal, Patrik Schick provided a bit of deja vu as Leverkusen equalised late yet again. Then, as the match seemed destined for extra time, Schick decided enough was enough and sent BayArena into a frenzy with the winning goal in the 98th minute. The result propelled Bayer Leverkusen to the next round of the Europa League as they advanced 5-4 on aggregate.
This is what Schick had to say after the match: “The team has done it once more,” the goal scorer said of their extended undefeated run. “It’s no coincidence. We fight until the last minute, the team spirit that we have at the moment is unbelievable.” Alonso told Germany’s RTL network, “It might not have been our best performance today, but we won with heart and with passion.”
Punters Starting to Believe in ‘Neverkusen’
While Leverkusen is the overwhelming favourite to claim the Bundesliga title (-3300 odds), it’s English side Liverpool who are currently the side favoured to win the Europa League at -110 odds. Recent figures show the UK’s online gambling market, including sports betting, reached over £5.4 billion in revenue in 2023, underscoring the massive interest in this form of entertainment.
Indeed, the thrill of live sports betting has captivated fans worldwide. It offers an exhilarating experience that blends the excitement of the game with the potential for lucrative rewards. As technology advances, online betting platforms have become the go-to destination for enthusiasts seeking a safe and convenient way to indulge in their passion. Supporters and punters alike will undoubtedly take those odds and wager on Alonso’s side to win those titles as well as achieve the treble.
The allure of betting on sports in the United Kingdom lies in its ability to heighten the intensity of every moment. With just a few taps, punters can place wagers in real-time, reacting to the ebb and flow of the action. This dynamic approach adds an extra layer of anticipation, as fortunes can shift in an instant, keeping bettors on the edge of their seats.
The UK, with 24.7 million active online gamblers, reflects the growing trend of live betting and its significant role in the online gambling sector. Live betting offers a thrilling and immersive experience, allowing bettors to capitalise on emerging opportunities and adapt their strategies as a match unfolds. This level of engagement and interactivity has proven to be a major draw, particularly for those seeking a more interactive and engaging betting experience.
Keeping the Dream Alive: The Road Ahead for Die Werkself
The road to a treble accomplishment won’t be easy. But it is looking more possible by the match. After all, the players have completely bought in under Xabi Alonso and seem to be playing their best football as of late. Here’s a look at Leverkusen’s next five matches:
- On Matchday 27, the league leaders will host TSG Hoffenheim at BayArena on Saturday, 30 March. Leverkusen edged Hoffenheim 3-2 in their last matchup on Matchday 10.
- The following week, Fortuna Düsseldorf will come to town to compete in the DFB-Pokal Semi-Final match on Wednesday, 3 April. Leverkusen has won the past five head-to-head matchups versus the visiting squad, with their last meeting coming in 2020.
- Die Werkself will hopefully be riding high after punching their ticket to the DFB Final in May as they travel to Berlin to take on FC Union Berlin on Saturday, 6 April.
- On 11 April, Leverkusen will host English side West Ham United in the first leg of the Europa League Quarter-Final.
- Tenth-place Werder Bremen will roll into Leverkusen on Sunday, 14 April for a Matchday 29 fixture.
