A hard-fought comeback victory against RB Leipzig just before the winter break has solidified Bayer Leverkusen’s status as one of the Bundesliga’s resurgent forces, marking a stark departure from the turbulent start to their campaign.
The match in Leipzig provided a fittingly dramatic conclusion to the year’s final round of fixtures. Despite falling behind to a well-taken opener, Leverkusen responded with two goals before halftime—a deft header and a spectacular solo effort—to seize control. The contest was sealed late by a teenager on his debut, finishing a swift counterattack, though not before a lengthy video review dismissed Leipzig’s appeals for a penalty at the other end.
The three points cement Leverkusen in third place heading into 2026, a position that seemed improbable just months ago. The club’s early season was defined by a brief and disastrous tenure under previous management, which yielded a single point from two league matches and a palpable lack of cohesion.
Appointed in September, Kasper Hjulmand faced a formidable rebuilding task. With limited time on the training ground, his impact has been swift and profound. The team has collected 28 points from 13 league matches since his arrival, while also advancing in both the Champions League and the domestic cup. This progress has been achieved despite significant squad absences, showcasing a newfound resilience.
The victory in Leipzig served as the latest evidence of a squad moving decisively beyond its recent past. The debutant who scored the clinching goal had also netted in a pre-season friendly that first raised serious questions about the previous regime—a symbolic full-circle moment.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich extended their commanding lead at the summit with a comfortable win, reinforcing their status as clear title favorites. Borussia Dortmund secured a win despite ongoing squad discussions, while a thrilling, high-scoring affair unfolded in Wolfsburg.
As the league pauses, Leverkusen’s trajectory offers one of the season’s most compelling narratives: a team once in disarray, now unified and climbing the table, with their sights firmly set on the challenges of the new year.