Bayern Munich’s encounters against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024/25 season were dramatic and told an entire tale. At first it was a tale of frustration for Bayern. Desperate to win back the Bundesliga crown following Leverkusen’s shock 2023/24 Bundesliga title win, Bayern were annoyed to draw the first encounter 1-1. That frustration grew and grew as the Bavarians were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal 3rd round by Die Werkself, extending their misery in the competition, because captain Manuel Neuer earned
himself a bone headed red card. Bayern had the better of this match, too, despite the red card and there was a feeling of what could have been.
That feeling did not continue into the next fixture, as Leverkusen dominated their home match against Bayern and Die Rekordmeister got away with a point. This all set up the Champions League Round of 16 tie against the same opponent, where Bayern finally got the better of Leverkusen and cemented their place on the top of German football.
Did you notice Bayern played Leverkusen five times that season? It held an exciting narrative that spanned through those multiple matches, which helped the excitement. But one time is enough.
It could happen again in the 2025/26 season.
After the DFB-Pokal semifinal draw yet again pitted Bayern against Leverkusen, it marks the eighth time Bayern will play Leverkusen in the past two seasons. If the Leverkusen win their Champions League tie against Olympiacos, there is a 50% chance they will be drawn against Bayern again in the Round of 16. The two legged nature of these ties would ensure Leverkusen will have played Bayern 10 times in two seasons.
The new found rivalry between Bayern and Leverkusen has been a positive for the Bundesliga as the Bavarians struggled to get their crown back but how many times must a fixture be played before it becomes less interesting? When the repeated nature of it all makes the drama and stakes seem less meaningful? It is likely we will reach that point soon.
