The rivalry between these two teams has served us some interesting results in recent years

The two weeks off will certainly have a positive effect on Bayer Leverkusen, who have played a huge number of matches since the start of the year. The first step after the break is a clash with Bochum, who are fighting for survival.

Most fans believe that the Bundesliga title race is over and Bayer Leverkusen have no chances to defend their title. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich recorded back-to-back games without a win before the break, proving that there is no telling what we can expect in the remaining eight rounds.

Leverkusen’s schedule is already lighter since they dropped out of the Champions League, and they also have seemingly easier matches in the Bundesliga. Xabi Alonso’s players also finally ended their run of three consecutive losses after they achieved another turnaround in added time and shocked Stuttgart from 3-1 to 3-4.

Bochum also have a serious task, and the tension is just as high, the difference being that they are fighting for survival.

They have been making progress over the last two months, losing just two of their last five league games. They even managed to turn around Bayern Munich for 2-3, although the Bavarians played with a lot of reserves and had a red card in that game.

The rivalry between these two teams has served us some interesting results in recent years. Interestingly, Bayer Leverkusen have struggled in away games, winning just one of four since Bochum returned to the Bundesliga in 2021. By contrast, Bayer won all three of their home games and have yet to concede a goal (7-0 aggregate).

Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Hincapie, Andrich, Tah, Grimaldo, Xhaka, Palacios, Frimpong, Adli, Schick, Buendia.

Bochum: Horn, Bernardo, Ordets, Ouermann, Passlack, Bero, Sissoko, Krauss, Wittek, Masouras, Hofmann.