On Saturday evening, Bayer Leverkusen lost their first game on German soil since May 2022 in a 3-2 defeat to RB Leipzig.
Despite racing into a 2-0 lead, Die Werkself failed to hold on to their advantage against a rampant Leipzig side, eager to prove their title credentials this season.
While Die Roten Bullen are certainly one of the favourites to lift the Meisterschale come May, watching Xabi Alonso’s side crumble in the manner they did made for unusual viewing.
Often it is the Werkself fighting to the end in order to retrieve a point, or even all three; but for once, they appeared broken and void of answers.
This has led many to question whether Leverkusen will be able to retain their title this season and whether they are on the verge of collapse, but in truth, this has been a long time coming.
Bayer Leverkusen’s continued issues
Last season, Leverkusen were outstanding; however, their more convincing performances were often on display during the first half of the Bundesliga season.
After the winter break, Die Werkself struggled to comfortably put games to bed as frequently as they had during the Hinrunde.
With four victories by a margin of one goal during the first half of the campaign, this was doubled from January onwards, as Leverkusen became far more ineffective in the final third.
Defensively, Alonso’s side have always been astute, recording the best defensive record in the Bundesliga last season, conceding just 24 goals—twelve in the Hinrunde and twelve in the Rückrunde.
Therefore, the issue clearly lies in the attack for the German champions, and the issue at large is Victor Boniface.
At the beginning of last season, the Nigerian striker introduced himself to the Bundesliga in extraordinary fashion, collecting ten goals and seven assists from his first 16 league games.
Nevertheless, after suffering an abductor injury prior to the African Cup of Nations, the 23-year-old’s presence was severely missed.
Six of Leverkusen’s eight one-goal margin victories during the Rückrunde came while the Nigerian was out injured, while another came during his return against Union Berlin.
With Boniface in the side, Die Werkself have a focal point that is effective in and around the box, whether it be linking up play or finishing chances off himself.
There is no replacement for the 23-year-old, and while Patrik Schick has papered over some of the cracks, it is clear to see that a fit Boniface is crucial to the way in which Leverkusen wish to play.
Since returning from injury, however, the striker has failed to look like the same player he was twelve months ago, and Leverkusen are feeling the effects of that.
While Boniface will be given time to find his feet again, the same cannot be said for Alonso, who will need to find a Plan B for Leverkusen.
Should Boniface fail to replicate his form from the beginning of last season, Die Werkself will have an issue on their hands, and the title will undoubtedly not be reclaimed come May unless an alternative way of playing in the final third is found.
GGFN | Will Shopland
