Leverkusen to go 'full throttle' for Bundesliga title, says Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso said his side would go "full throttle" until the end of the year in their quest to reclaim their Bundesliga crown.

Leverkusen needed a last-gasp winner from Nordi Mukiele to beat Inter in the Champions League in midweek, moving them up to fourth in the new 36-team standings.

Alonso's side have now won their last six games in all competitions, scoring 16 goals during that run, as their slow start to the season is now firmly in their rearview mirror.

While Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 23 Bundesliga away games (W17 D6), they face a stern test at the WWK Arena against Augsburg this Saturday.

They have collected 14 points at home in the Bundesliga this season, with only Borussia Dortmund (19) and Bayern Munich (16) claiming more on home soil.

"The last few times we've seen that it's not easy to play in Augsburg," Alonso told reporters on Friday.

Augsburg have only picked up more points from their first seven home matches of a top-flight campaign in 2014-15 (15).

They have also won 10 points from their last four home games (W3, D1) and have kept back-to-back clean sheets on home soil for the first time since 2023 (three in a row).

Heading south on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/xtUw1qvkVs

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 12, 2024

But Alonso has reason to be confident of claiming all three points on Saturday, with his side winning three consecutive Bundesliga games for the first time this season.

Leverkusen have also celebrated 22 top-flight wins in total in 2024 (same as 2023), while another triumph this weekend would set a new club record.

Alonso's side, however, find themselves seven points behind leaders Bayern, and the Leverkusen boss said that his priority this season is winning the Bundesliga.

"For us, the Bundesliga is the most important competition... every game is important and intense," Alonso said.

"We are currently maintaining our focus and momentum very well. Not only are we having a good moment on the pitch, but we also have a good mentality.

"We want to go full throttle in every game, especially against an intense opponent like Augsburg."