The reigning German Bundesliga champions are gearing up to host Italian giants Inter Milan at the BayArena on Tuesday. They will be looking to capitalise on the momentum from their commanding 5-0 victory over Salzburg in their last outing.
Leverkusen have found their stride following a disappointing 4-0 loss to Liverpool, going on an impressive six-match unbeaten run (five wins) despite dealing with injuries to key players, particularly Victor Boniface and Amine Adli.
Given their recent form and last season’s league triumph, former Nigeria international Karibe Ojigwe, who was part of Bayer Leverkusen's squad during their runners-up finish in the 2001-02 Champions League—the club’s only appearance in the final—believes they have a chance to emulate German giants Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Hamburger SV by winning the prestigious competition.
"Yes, the Champions League is open to any team currently competing. You can never predict who will make it to the final," Ojigwe told Flashscore.
"Just look at what Dortmund achieved last year and how they came so close to winning the trophy. If Leverkusen can maintain their current form and continue winning, there’s no reason why they can't succeed.
"They need to stay focused, keep performing well, and secure important victories. If they can win the Bundesliga, there’s nothing stopping them from winning the Champions League as well."
Before their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Salzburg in their most recent European outing, Leverkusen had experienced a turbulent campaign, with questions being raised about the overall quality of Alonso’s squad.
Ojigwe, a Bundesliga winner with Kaiserslautern, has advised Leverkusen not to get carried away by their victory over Salzburg as they prepare to face Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan. He emphasised that every game is unique and requires a fresh approach.
The Serie A giants have won their last four Champions League matches without conceding a goal. The last Italian team to achieve five consecutive wins with clean sheets in the competition was Juventus during the 2012-13 campaign.
"The 5-0 win over Salzburg in the Champions League could help them bounce back. However, it’s not a sure thing. Each game is unique," he continued.
"You might perform well in the Champions League but struggle in the local league. This happens because your players are now constantly being watched on TV, and teams are more aware of you.
"Unlike when they were underdogs, now Leverkusen are now a recognised team, and everyone knows their strengths. Still, I believe they’re up to the challenge. They just need to keep pushing forward."
If the Nerazzurri manage to keep a clean sheet against Bayer Leverkusen, they will become the first team to achieve six consecutive clean sheets in the opening matches of a Champions League campaign.
Even manager Alonso is aware of their strength: "Inter play with great maturity and control. They have lots of ability and follow a clear approach to the game.
"They have two players for nearly every position and a very big squad of high quality. It's not actually about individuals but (Hakan) Calhanoglu is obviously a good player with great influence. He has developed really well, can read the game well and is able to play in lots of positions in midfield."
Shifting focus slightly away from Europe, Ojigwe believes that Leverkusen have a strong chance of retaining their Bundesliga title if they can maintain their current momentum.
Alonso’s men are currently third in the Bundesliga standings, with 26 points from 13 matches. Only Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayern Munich are ahead of them, with 27 and 33 points respectively.
"I believe they can win if they start winning games consistently," he said.
"To win the league this season, it all depends on their ability to maintain that consistency in every match. I'm hopeful they will keep this momentum going."
After facing Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen will travel to Bavaria on December 14 for their league match against Jess Thorup’s Augsburg.
