Bayer Leverkusen – Union Berlin: Leverkusen Return To Summit After Brushing Aside Union (4-0)

Everything appears to be heading in the direction of Bayer Leverkusen, while nothing appears to be going in Union Berlin’s way. From the first whistle, there was only one winner in this clash, as Xabi Alonso’s side frequently dismantled Union’s defensive structure with ease.

Tactical analysis and match report by Rahul Madhavan.

When Bayer Leverkusen and Union Berlin met last November, the fate of these two teams were starkly contrasting. Leverkusen found themselves in the relegation zone, with Xabi Alonso, newly appointed as manager at that time, grappling with challenges to secure his team’s Bundesliga status.

In contrast, Union Berlin were top of the Bundesliga, going shoulder to shoulder with German football powerhouses like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. However, as the adage goes, times change quickly.

Leverkusen have emerged as the surprise package in European football at the moment, displaying a style of football that is not only eye-catching but one that also produces results. With a record of nine wins and one draw in the Bundesliga, they seem invincible at the moment.

Union Berlin, on the other hand, are fighting relegation after suffering a record twelve consecutive losses before a draw against Napoli in the Champions League ended their unfortunate run. Urs Fischer and his team are struggling for solutions, and a defeat could see them at the bottom of the Bundesliga table for the next two weeks.

On paper, Alonso set up his side in a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Lukas Hradecky in goal, and a back three of Odilon Kossounou . . .