Away Is the New Home

 There are moments as a Bayer 04 Leverkusen fan when all you can do is marvel. It’s as if the years of “what-ifs” and “almosts” were just a bad dream, and now we’re witnessing our team turn into an unstoppable machine. The win in Augsburg? Just another chapter in this success story, written with precision, patience, and a sprinkle of Augsburg frustration. Who would have thought we’d go an entire calendar year unbeaten away from home? That’s not just impressive; it’s historic. I wouldn’t be surprised if some nervous glances are being cast down from Munich – and this is just the beginning.

The match against Augsburg was a textbook example of how this team operates: efficient, composed, and ice-cold when it matters most. Martin Terrier, who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite, needed just one perfect pass from Granit Xhaka to open the scoring. And Florian Wirtz? He’s doing things that leave you in equal parts awe and disbelief. The way he orchestrated the second goal wasn’t just clever—it was a masterpiece. Wirtz didn’t just fake out the defense; he outwitted the laws of physics. He’s our gem, our prodigy, and the most exciting part? He’s only 21 and has his best years ahead of him.

But it wasn’t just about the attack. The defense, led by the outstanding Jonathan Tah, once again showed why we’re celebrating not just goals scored but goals denied. Augsburg might have a reputation for being strong at home, but our Werkself smothered every attempt they made to gain a foothold. Even Schlotterbeck’s disallowed goal barely caused a ripple of concern. This was one of those matches where, as a fan, you catch yourself not feeling nervous but simply enjoying the show. That feeling? Pure bliss.

The 24-match unbeaten away streak doesn’t just highlight the team’s quality; it’s also a testament to the work of Xabi Alonso. He has elevated this squad to a level we haven’t seen in Leverkusen for years. Players like Granit Xhaka embody the new mentality: relentless, gritty, and laser-focused on winning. We’ve defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League and dismantled Augsburg’s home fortress in the league. What’s left, other than sitting back and dreaming of what this season might bring?

Of course, we all know that titles in the Bundesliga are only handed out in May. But this win in Augsburg felt symbolic: another puzzle piece in a season that keeps inviting us to believe. And when you hear that Bayern slipped up in Mainz on the same day, it’s hard not to smile. Four points off the top, the title still within reach, and a team proving week after week that it’s ready for something special. It feels like everything is possible.

Next up is Freiburg at the BayArena—the final match of the year. One last push before the winter break, a chance to end 2024 on a high and prepare for what promises to be an electrifying second half of the season. And who knows? Maybe someday we’ll look back on 2023/24 as the season when Bayer 04 stopped being a team of “what-ifs” and became a team of “when.” A team unbeatable away and unshakable at home. A team that finally claimed the glory it’s been chasing. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—first, let’s enjoy the holiday season sitting in second place, with every reason to keep dreaming.