Freiburg takes on high flying Bayer Leverkusen this weekend in one of the most important matches in the Bundesliga this weekend.
Christian Streich’s Freiburg is sixth in the Bundesliga table. A draw against Mainz saw them fall behind Schalke. Modest Freiburg will surely be happy with a European spot considering that their initial goal was survival in the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen will visit the Black Forest in high spirits undoubtedly.
Leverkusen beat Frankfurt 3-1 last week. Frankfurt scored a late goal after Leverkusen had put three past them already. Leverkusen has beaten two teams in the top four this season. They have managed to do what no other team has managed in Germany this season- beat Bayern München.
In the 2009-10 season, Leverkusen sat atop the table, seemingly mature enough to claim their first ever Bundesliga title. At the end, they collapsed. In the 2010-2011 season, Leverkusen challenged Borussia Dortmund for the title until the last few weeks of the season. Last season, Leverkusen suffered under Robin Dutt. Their title challenge in Europe and at home as well as Robin Dutt’s job all went down together. This season was supposed to be a transitional season.
Yet, Leverkusen finds themselves in the dizzy heights of second.
Leverkusen is seemingly most comfortable with second. Whenever the gap between first and second shortens, Leverkusen collapses. Their form has been good in the previous few match days despite some blips. Considering just how well Bayern has performed this season, Leverkusen might just have to settle for it too.
However, fans, players and managers alike have expressed their happiness concerning their current situation. Nobody at Leverkusen has a title in their minds. The word ‘title’ forces the club to suffer a breakdown. Talk of the title would simply tarnish what has been a harmonious and good season so far.
For Freiburg, a finish in the European spots would simply be amazing. They have proven their credentials this season by beating seasoned opponents such as Stuttgart. A point away at Mainz was definitely a good point. Streich knows the points will not come easily against Leverkusen.
However, Freiburg definitely has a chance.
Freiburg’s strategy will be similar to that of Leverkusen. Both teams will try to execute great counter attacks. Leverkusen has to take the initiative this week. It will be interesting to see what Leverkusen can do when they have to take the initiative. There are still question marks hanging over Leverkusen’s defending. Freiburg will take advantage of any slip up.
Prediction
Freiburg 1-2 Leverkusen
Leverkusen beat Frankfurt 3-1 last week. Frankfurt scored a late goal after Leverkusen had put three past them already. Leverkusen has beaten two teams in the top four this season. They have managed to do what no other team has managed in Germany this season- beat Bayern München.
In the 2009-10 season, Leverkusen sat atop the table, seemingly mature enough to claim their first ever Bundesliga title. At the end, they collapsed. In the 2010-2011 season, Leverkusen challenged Borussia Dortmund for the title until the last few weeks of the season. Last season, Leverkusen suffered under Robin Dutt. Their title challenge in Europe and at home as well as Robin Dutt’s job all went down together. This season was supposed to be a transitional season.
Yet, Leverkusen finds themselves in the dizzy heights of second.
Leverkusen is seemingly most comfortable with second. Whenever the gap between first and second shortens, Leverkusen collapses. Their form has been good in the previous few match days despite some blips. Considering just how well Bayern has performed this season, Leverkusen might just have to settle for it too.
However, fans, players and managers alike have expressed their happiness concerning their current situation. Nobody at Leverkusen has a title in their minds. The word ‘title’ forces the club to suffer a breakdown. Talk of the title would simply tarnish what has been a harmonious and good season so far.
For Freiburg, a finish in the European spots would simply be amazing. They have proven their credentials this season by beating seasoned opponents such as Stuttgart. A point away at Mainz was definitely a good point. Streich knows the points will not come easily against Leverkusen.
However, Freiburg definitely has a chance.
Freiburg’s strategy will be similar to that of Leverkusen. Both teams will try to execute great counter attacks. Leverkusen has to take the initiative this week. It will be interesting to see what Leverkusen can do when they have to take the initiative. There are still question marks hanging over Leverkusen’s defending. Freiburg will take advantage of any slip up.
Prediction
Freiburg 1-2 Leverkusen
