Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen know they will need to be close to perfect to hunt down leaders Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga returns from a three-week winter break.
Four points behind Bayern with 15 of 34 games played, Leverkusen reopen their title campaign at Borussia Dortmund on Friday.
Unbeaten league and cup winners last campaign, Xabi Alonso’s side stumbled early in the season as they struggle to shake off their title-winning hangover.
But a run of eight straight victories, including booting Bayern out of the German Cup, has Leverkusen on track for a shot at repeating last season’s heroics.
“It’s a super opener for us. To play the first game of the year in Dortmund is a huge motivation,” said Alonso.
“We’ve had time to prepare and we expect a top game tomorrow against a top opponent.”
Champions League finalists in June, Dortmund are sixth…
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