FC Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen Among Champions League Top Contenders, Says Schweinsteiger
Former Bayern Munich star Bastian Schweinsteiger has identified FC Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen as top contenders in the Champions League. "Leverkusen and Bayern Munich definitely don’t need to hide," said the 2014 World Cup winner in a Sportschau interview.
After Munich’s 2-1 victory in the playoff first leg at Celtic Glasgow, ARD expert Schweinsteiger predicts that his former club will advance. If so, Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid would be their potential opponents in the round of 16. "If they face each other, it’s really fifty-fifty," said the 40-year-old. The draw will take place on Friday.
In the top match of the Bundesliga, which ended in a 0-0 draw, the Leverkusen team impressed but failed to reduce the eight-point deficit to FC Bayern at the top of the table. "It’s up to Bayern Munich whether they become champions or not," said Schweinsteiger about the record champions’ comfortable position. "Is it great? At the end of the day, Bayern Munich will tell themselves that if they become champions, they won’t remember this match."
Schweinsteiger’s assessment of form reflects the public sentiment. "Currently, I would say Bayer Leverkusen is playing the most attractive football," said the 2013 treble winner, "but Bayern Munich is the most successful." Aside from the missed chances, he believes Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen team delivered an almost perfect performance.
Schweinsteiger highly values Jamal Musiala’s contract extension until 2030. "You definitely have to congratulate Bayern Munich for managing to keep such a player, who was of interest to all the top teams in Europe, and extending his contract," said Schweinsteiger.
Bayern Munich Remains Comfortable Bundesliga Leader
Despite Leverkusen’s impressive performance, Schweinsteiger maintains that Bayern Munich is in a comfortable position to secure another Bundesliga title. "They have a very strong squad and an experienced coach in Julian Nagelsmann," said Schweinsteiger. "They are also very consistent in their performances."
Schweinsteiger Impressed by Bayer Leverkusen’s Development
Under the guidance of former Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen has made significant progress this season. "Alonso has brought a lot of stability to the team," said Schweinsteiger. "They are now playing with more confidence and belief."
Schweinsteiger particularly praised Leverkusen’s defense, led by the talented Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié. "They have been very solid at the back," said Schweinsteiger. "Their goalkeeper, Lukas Hradecky, has also been in excellent form."
Leverkusen Faces Difficult Task in Champions League Round of 16
If Leverkusen successfully progresses to the Champions League round of 16, they will face a formidable opponent in either Bayern Munich or Atlético Madrid. "It will be a very tough test for them," said Schweinsteiger. "Both teams are among the best in Europe."
Despite the challenge, Schweinsteiger believes Leverkusen has the potential to make a deep run in the competition. "They have a lot of young and talented players," said Schweinsteiger. "If they can continue to play with the same confidence and belief, they can achieve great things."
