Bundesliga: Leverkusen Seeks Victory Against Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen is determined to secure a win against Borussia Dortmund, with sports director Simon Rolfes emphasizing the team's ambition and will to succeed.

Borussia Dortmund is eager to kick off the new year with a victory as they host high-flying Bayer Leverkusen on Friday, marking the Bundesliga's return from its three-week winter break. Dortmund's first half of the season was marked by inconsistency, but they concluded 2023 on a positive note.

Dortmund's last Bundesliga match before the winter break saw them secure a convincing 3-1 win at VfL Wolfsburg, their first away victory in the league this season. This triumph has injected optimism into the team, and they will aim to build on this momentum against Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.

A victory over Bayer Leverkusen would significantly boost Borussia Dortmund's standing in the Bundesliga table. Currently in sixth place with 25 points, a win would cut the gap to four points, as Leverkusen sits in second place with 32 points. Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin emphasized the importance of this match, saying, “For the table, it would be extremely important (to win the game) because we would close the gap.”

Sahin expressed confidence in his team's ability to deliver against top teams, citing their past performances. “We have so far delivered against top teams. We are playing at home and really want to win this game.” A win would not only close the gap but also set a positive tone for the new year. As Sahin noted, “The year starts with this game and it could be a good omen to get into a flow and pick up more points in the new year than we did in the first part of the season.”

Historically, Dortmund has had the upper hand against Leverkusen, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. This includes Leverkusen's unbeaten run to the Bundesliga title last year. However, Sahin may have to navigate some personnel challenges, as Waldemar Anton's availability is uncertain, while Pascal Gross is suspended and Niklas Sule is out due to a long-term injury.

Leverkusen is equally eager to start the year on a strong note. Sports director Simon Rolfes emphasized the team's ambitions, stating, “We want to win, also in Dortmund.” Leverkusen had a remarkable season last year, winning the domestic double without defeat and reaching the Europa League final. Rolfes underscored the team's commitment to competing for trophies in all competitions, adding that they are currently four points behind Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen's sports director, Simon Rolfes, has expressed his team's determination to secure a win against Borussia Dortmund. “We have the ambition and the will to win in Dortmund. It is this will that drives us,” Rolfes emphasized. Leverkusen is eager to build on its successful campaign last season and remains committed to competing for titles in all competitions.

Rolfes reiterated Leverkusen's title aspirations, stating, “Realistically we have title chances in all competitions. To win titles you have to be there. We have the energy and will to give it all.” With this mindset, Leverkusen will aim to deliver a strong performance against Dortmund and maintain its momentum in the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are dealing with several injury concerns ahead of their Saturday match against Borussia Monchengladbach. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is working to recover from a rib injury sustained in December, while second-choice keeper Daniel Peretz has been ruled out due to a kidney injury suffered in training on Wednesday.

🚨 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘! 🚨

We're back under the Friday night lights! ✨

🆚 @BlackYellow
⏰ 8:30pm (CET)
🏟️ Signal Iduna Park#BVBB04 pic.twitter.com/1TSC58BFRu

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 10, 2025

Additionally, Bayern's in-form midfielder Jamal Musiala missed the team's friendly match against RB Salzburg on Monday due to illness, and his availability for Saturday's game remains uncertain. Despite these challenges, Bayern will aim to maintain its lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, although the team has struggled in recent away games against Gladbach, losing five of their last nine matches.