The top game between Leverkusen and FC Bayern is eagerly awaited. Thomas Helmer looks at it at t-online and judges. He warns the record champions urgently.
The league leaders and their direct rivals have never had so many points after 20 match days in the history of the Bundesliga: Leverkusen (52 points) and FC Bayern (50) are engaged in a thrilling duel for the championship this season and are going head to head the trend-setting direct duel on Saturday evening (6.30 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online).
European champion Thomas Helmer played in numerous important games during his career. In an interview with t-online, the former Bayern captain and Dortmund professional looks ahead to the showdown between the two top teams.
t-online: Mr. Helmer, VfB striker Deniz Undav described Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart as the two best teams in the Bundesliga at the moment after the cup quarter-finals (3:2). Is he right?
Thomas Helmer: I would say that Leverkusen, for me, is definitely the best German team at the moment. They are already playing great football and are now the top favorites to win the cup. But Bayern shouldn’t be forgotten in the championship.
The Munich team (50 points) are ten points ahead of VfB in the table and only two points behind leaders Leverkusen (52).
That’s what’s frustrating for Leverkusen. Many people say that Bayern aren’t playing that well, but they still managed to score a lot of points.
So what expectations do you have for Bayern’s game in Leverkusen on Saturday?
The first leg was a great game. And I expect an equally high-class game again now.
Leverkusen is still unbeaten in all 30 competitive games this season. And therefore the favorite?
Favorite would be saying too much. But it’s a huge opportunity. The constellation reminds me a bit of the 1997/98 season, when we and Bayern trailed Kaiserslautern the entire season. This is a bit similar again. There is also no one who says that Leverkusen doesn’t deserve to be up there. Not losing a single game is crazy. Of course everyone is waiting for it now, it has to happen at some point. And of course there is still a risk that it will happen to them on Saturday.
Leverkusen could extend their lead to five points with a win. Is the pressure therefore more on Bayern?
I wouldn’t say Bayern have to win the game. But they certainly can’t lose it.
Do you expect Bayern to use a similar defensive tactic that coach Thomas Tuchel used in Dortmund (4-0) and against Stuttgart (3-0)? Or would that possibly be a mistake?
I don’t even know if Bayern can really play it by waiting. But it is clear that you have to be compact on defense. Florian Wirtz alone is really raising the alarm. Bayern have to defend well. That is one of the basic requirements to be able to survive in Leverkusen.
Who or what will otherwise decide the duel?
Leverkusen is certainly vulnerable. But they have incredible morale, and not just because they have won many games in the final minutes. They believe in themselves and keep playing. And always create scoring chances – just like Bayern. The decisive factor will be who uses them more efficiently. Leverkusen especially has to watch out for Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané. That’s a mammoth task. But if they succeed, a lot will be taken away from Bayern’s game.