Leverkusen's Shocking Leap: The End of Bayern's Reign

Bayer Leverkusen left football fans around the world in awe as they effortlessly put an end to Bayern Munich's 11-year Bundesliga dominance, seizing their first-ever league title. The triumph was as easy as it was unexpected, lacking the fraught dramatics that characterized Borussia Dortmund's unsuccessful attempt in the previous season. 

Leverkusen not only ended the streak but also set multiple records by achieving an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and easing to victory in the DFB Pokal. A solitary loss in the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta was the only hurdle in their successful 2023-24 season. 

The astonishing run was an outcome of smart investment in the team, the ideal managerial appointment of Xabi Alonso, and an impressive summer transfer window ahead of the 2023 season. As the 2024-25 Bundesliga season is set to commence this week, it's time to see if Leverkusen can repeat the Herculean feat.

The club has retained the majority of their winning squad for another title run, including manager Alonso, despite numerous offers from other top-tier clubs. Of the 18 players who started at least 15 games in different competitions, 16 are suited up for the upcoming season in the Bayer kit.

This continuity, while advantageous, brings new challenges. Alonso, in the off-season, emphasized to his players the risk of complacency, using a series of uninspiring friendlies as teaching moments. Drawing a match with Ligue 1's Lens, losing against Premier League's Arsenal, and eking out another draw versus LaLiga's Real Betis, Leverkusen's pre-season performances could either be an ominous sign of a challenging season ahead or valuable motivation for the team.