Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund: Bundesliga Clash

Kasper Hjulmand Leverkusen looks to extend winning streak against Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen takes on Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Bundesliga match at BayArena, with Leverkusen aiming to maintain their unbeaten home record.

“We've got great potential. We can still get better. Wins like that one against City are fuel for our development...”

Kasper Hjulmand is enjoying a great run with Bayer Leverkusen, who are looking strong despite expectations of a rebuilding year. Leverkusen are set to face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, and it's a big test for Hjulmand's team.

Leverkusen are currently flying high, and they're staking a claim as one of the top teams in the Bundesliga, behind only leaders Bayern Munich.

Hjulmand's influence was clear in Leverkusen's 2-0 Champions League win over Manchester City on Tuesday. Despite making significant changes, Leverkusen came out on top, with Pep Guardiola's side struggling to cope.

Leverkusen were actually hit hard by injuries and suspensions, with seven teenagers on the bench and only four starters from last season's team still playing. It's a testament to Hjulmand's coaching that they're still performing so well.

The 2025 summer has been a period of significant change for Leverkusen, with many expecting a rebuilding year. But Hjulmand seems to be bringing a new energy to the team.

Leverkusen had a tough summer, losing coach Xabi Alonso and several key players, including Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong, and Lukas Hradecky.

Erik ten Hag was sacked after just two league matches, leaving Hjulmand to pick up the pieces. Hjulmand has done a great job, winning seven and drawing one of his nine league matches with a squad full of newcomers.

Leverkusen's record under Hjulmand is impressive, with only two losses in 15 games in all competitions - to Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain.

“We're building a new team here. We have a vision and we're on the right track,” Hjulmand said after Tuesday's victory over City.

“We've got great potential. We can still get better. Wins like that one against City are fuel for our development.”

Dortmund, typically a strong force in German football, has been outshone by Leverkusen lately. They did bounce back with a 4-0 thrashing of Villarreal midweek, but their performance against top teams this season has been shaky - losses to Bayern and Manchester City, and draws against Juventus, RB Leipzig, and Stuttgart.

The teams will meet again just three days after Saturday's match in Leverkusen, this time in the German Cup last 16 at Dortmund's home ground.

Young Gun: Lennart Karl Impresses for Bayern

Bayern Munich's 17-year-old attacking midfielder Lennart Karl is making waves, showing he can hold his own at the top level. He scored in Bayern's 6-2 win over Freiburg and again in their 3-1 Champions League loss to Arsenal, demonstrating his pace and eye for goal.

Karl's got the backing of Bayern veteran Thomas Muller, who praises the young midfielder's potential. Karl's impressive performances have been a highlight for Bayern, who are looking strong this season.

“Lennart is playing with a refreshing energy right now, he's scoring goals and is involved in important actions,” Muller told RTL.

“You can see he enjoys working hard to improve and is also having fun playing the game. Getting better is one thing, not being too dogged about it is another.

“I believe they're finding a good balance.”

🗣️Coach's thoughts on tomorrow's big game against Borussia Dortmund. pic.twitter.com/t70xt6rqaa

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) November 28, 2025

Injury Blow for Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt's Jonathan Burkardt has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a calf injury, dealing a major blow to the team. The forward had been in top form, scoring eight goals in 10 league games, including three braces.

Olise Shining Bright

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise is on fire, with six goals and six assists in 11 league games this season. The young winger is making a big impact, and his stats are drawing attention.