Is Bayer Leverkusen on the brink of collapse?

On Saturday evening, Bayer Leverkusen lost their first game on German soil since May 2022, beating RB Leipzig 3-2.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead, Die Werkself failed to hold on to their advantage against an in-form Leipzig side eager to prove their title-winning credentials this season.

While Die Roten Bullen are undoubtedly one of the favourites to lift the Meisterschale in May, watching Xabi Alonso’s side crumble in the manner they did was an unusual experience.

It is often the Werkself who fight to the end to regain a point, or even all three; but for once, they seemed broken and without answers.

This has led many to wonder whether Leverkusen will be able to retain their title this season and whether they are on the brink of collapse, but in truth, this has been a long time coming.

Last season, Leverkusen were exceptional performers, although their most convincing displays were often seen during the first half of the Bundesliga season.

After the winter break, the Werkself found it difficult to comfortably finish off games as often as they did during the Hinrunde.

With four wins by a one-goal margin during the first half of the campaign, this figure doubled from January onwards as Leverkusen became much more ineffective in the final third.

Defensively, Alonso’s side have always been astute, posting the best defensive record in the Bundesliga last season, conceding just 24 goals – twelve in the Hinrunde and twelve in the Rückrunde.

The problem is therefore clearly in the attack of the German champions, and the problem in general is Victor Boniface.

The Nigerian striker made an impressive start to the Bundesliga season at the start of last season, racking up ten goals and seven assists in his first 16 league games.

However, after suffering an abductor injury ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, the 23-year-old’s presence was sorely missed.

Six of Leverkusen’s eight one-goal wins during the Rückrunde came while the Nigerian was injured, while another came during his comeback against Union Berlin.

With Boniface in the team, Die Werkself have a focal point who is effective in and around the box, whether linking up play or finishing chances himself.

There is no replacement for the 23-year-old, and while Patrik Schick has papered over some of the cracks, it is clear that a fit Boniface is crucial to the way Leverkusen wish to play.

However, since returning from injury, the striker has not looked like the same player he was 12 months ago and Leverkusen are feeling the consequences.

While Boniface will be given time to recover, the same cannot be said for Alonso, who will need to find a Plan B for Leverkusen.

If Boniface fails to repeat his form from the start of last season, Die Werkself will have a problem on their hands and will undoubtedly be unable to regain the title in May unless an alternative way of playing in the final third is found.