Historic Bundesliga moment can help West Ham
I might be clutching at straws here, but West Ham may well be the beneficiaries of excellent timing ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Because whilst Xabi Alonso’s men will be desperate to beat the Hammers, they have a truly historic moment looming only three days later. On Sunday, Leverkusen can win the Bundesliga title with games to spare, ending an 11-year reign by Bayern Munich.
The Bavarian giants have been poor this season despite the form of Harry Kane. For Munich to finish the season trophyless is a big deal; it practically never happens. This is one of the reasons why I don’t want West Ham to even attempt to hire Thomas Tuchel, but that’s a matter for another day.
Will Leverkusen (seen here in pre-season) be able to resist the distraction of history?
Leverkusen edged closer to history and their first Bundesliga title with a victory over 10-man Union Berlin. Florian Wirtz’s penalty secured a ninth consecutive win for Xabi Alonso’s side, extending their lead over Bayern Munich to 16 points with just six games left in the season.
Meanwhile, Bayern’s surprising loss, squandering a 2-0 lead to fall 3-2 against newly promoted Heidenheim, provided Leverkusen with a significant boost in their title pursuit.
Leverkusen now have the opportunity to clinch the coveted German championship by securing a victory at home against Werder Bremen in the upcoming weekend.