Kompany warns Bayern not to take Leverkusen lightly
Vincent Kompany hasurged Bayern Munich not to underestimate a Bayer Leverkusen side on the rise, especially in the midst of a busy fixture schedule.
Bayern has won all 14 of their matches in 2025-2026 so far, setting a new record for a club in the big five European leagues after its 4-1 win over Koln in the DFB-Pokal in midweek.
But it is now looking to extend that run further against Leverkusen, which has finished as champion and runner-up in the Bundesliga in the past two seasons.
For that reason, Kompany remains wary of the threat that Leverkusen poses, especially given its resurgence under Kasper Hjulmand.
"For me, this is a top match [against Leverkusen]," Kompany said. "There is also a bit of the rivalry from the past two seasons.
"I am not here to decide who our main title rivals are. But fact is, the rivalry is still there, and we cannot underestimate them because of what they have done in the past weeks.
"Leverkusen have this top form again in the Bundesliga and are dangerous in front of goal. They lost a lot of talent, but they bought a lot of talent as well."
The match against Leverkusen is the first of three in a week, which also includes trips to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League and Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
"In our calendar, there is no tough phase with three games in six matches. We are used to that, and it is not that we suddenly have different goals because our schedule is difficult," Kompany added.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, is fifth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind Bayern, but it remains unbeaten under Hjulmand in the competition.
It also progressed in the DFB-Pokal in midweek, but needed extra-time to triumph 4-2 against second-tier Paderborn, meaning it has a slight disadvantage compared to Bayern.
Hjulmand, however, is relishing the test of facing the reigning champion and is hopeful his side can deal Bayern a first blow this term.
"They are currently the best team in Germany and one of the best in Europe," Hjulmand said. "They have started really strongly in all competitions and have a lot of quality.
"But no team is unbeatable in any game. I firmly believe it's possible for us to come away with a result. That's why we're going there with courage and confidence.
"We have the potential, also with a good game, to reduce this gap bit by bit. Even if that takes time, of course."
