Bayer Leverkusen will begin 2025 with a match against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Friday. The Bundesliga champions are looking to maintain their strong form after a successful 2024.
Dortmund concluded the year with a disappointing spell, securing only one victory in their last five competitive matches. They recorded 1-1 draws against Bayern Munich and Borussia Mönchengladbach, suffered a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, and managed another 1-1 draw against Hoffenheim. However, they broke their winless streak with a 3-1 away win over Wolfsburg on December 22, marking their first Bundesliga away victory since April. Despite this win, Dortmund currently sits in sixth place, two points behind the top four.
Dortmund will aim to extend their unbeaten home run, which encompasses 11 matches, including a 1-1 draw against Leverkusen in their last encounter. This unbeaten streak against Leverkusen spans four matches (two wins and two draws).
In terms of team news, Waldemar Anton and Almugera Kabar are doubts due to illness, while Niklas Süle is sidelined with injury. Pascal Groß is suspended for the match following a red card against Wolfsburg.
Conversely, Leverkusen enters the match with significant momentum after a nine-game winning streak in all competitions, which includes five victories in the Bundesliga. Their last match of 2024 saw them defeat Freiburg 5-1, with Patrik Schick scoring four goals. Leverkusen's scoring prowess has seen them record 37 goals in 15 Bundesliga matches, positioning them as the league's second-highest scorers. They seek to overcome their recent struggles against Dortmund, having not won in their last four encounters since a 5-2 victory in February 2022.
Leverkusen's midfield is facing uncertainty as Granit Xhaka is a doubt for the match, while Jeanuël Belocian, Amine Adli, and Victor Boniface are confirmed absentees.
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