Having silenced the cauldron they call 'Paradise', Bayern are already turning their attention to the next fierce contest. Straight after the 2-1 win at Celtic in the Champions League play-off first leg on Wednesday, the Munich men's focus switched to the Bundesliga top-of-the-table clash at Bayer 04 Leverkusen this Saturday (18:30 CET). The post-match banquet also revealed that in a particular way. "The team were almost the first ones there, which we've never had before," said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen in his speech, addressing the team. "Clearly you were in a rush, so that we come back into a period of rest in time for the difficult match on Saturday. When I look into Vincent's eyes, he's just proven me right."
Bayern indeed don't have much time. After returning to the Bavarian capital on Thursday, they'll be back on the road to Leverkusen on Friday, aiming to continue their run of five straight wins in all competitions. "We can't afford to lower our level of performance for long because we've got another crunch match on Saturday," summarised board member for sport Max Eberl. "Now it's about summoning our strength for Saturday," continued Dreesen. "We're in an intense February and have some very intense days ahead. I'm sure the team are fully focused."
Hotly anticipated showdown in Leverkusen
Bayern are looking forward to the showdown with the reigning German champions from Leverkusen despite their packed schedule. "I think it will be a cool game. I would definitely watch it as a fan," said midfielder Joshua Kimmich. The league leaders from Munich have an eight-point lead over their closest rivals ahead of the head-to-head clash. An away win at the BayArena would already be a big step towards the title for the Bavarians.
It's not just the chance to extend the cushion from second place that drives Vincent Kompany's men. "After the recent games against Leverkusen, we've got some making up to do. We just want to impose our game again," added Konrad Laimer, referring to the run of five meetings without a win against the Werkself in all competitions (D2, L3). The Munich men want to put an end to that on Saturday. "We've controlled the last two games against them but didn't find the way to score a goal. We need to do that significantly better now," explained Kimmich.
With the important success at Celtic in the bag, it's now time to finally get another win against the main adversary of recent months. Bayern can expect another hostile atmosphere in Leverkusen, but after the emotionally charged baptism of fire in Glasgow, Kompany's side are definitely ready.
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