Vincent Kompany urged Bayern Munich not to underestimate a Bayer Leverkusen side on the rise, especially in the midst of a busy fixture schedule.
Bayern have won all 14 of their matches in 2025-26 so far, setting a new record for a club in the big five European leagues with their 4-1 win over Koln in the DFB-Pokal in midweek.
But they are now looking to extend that run further against Leverkusen, who have finished as champions and runners-up in the Bundesliga in the last two seasons.
Given their perfect start, Bayern are heavy favourites with the Opta supercomputer to clinch the trophy again (92.2%), with Leverkusen’s chances rated at 1.4%, behind Borussia Dortmund (4.1%) and RB Leipzig (1.8%).
But Kompany remains wary of the threat that Leverkusen pose, especially given their 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 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, are fifth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind their opponents, though they are still unbeaten under Hjulmand in the competition.
They also progressed in the DFB-Pokal in midweek, but needed extra time to triumph 4-2 against Paderborn, meaning they have a slight disadvantage compared to Bayern.
Hjulmand, however, is relishing the test of facing the reigning champions and is hopeful they 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."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bayern Munich – Joshua Kimmich
Joshua Kimmich has played 99 passes into the attacking third this Bundesliga season – a joint-league-high tally with Dortmund's Ramy Bensebaini.
He has also created 14 chances in the German top-flight, though he has registered just two assists so far, slightly underperforming his 2.7 expected assists (xA).
Bayer Leverkusen – Ernest Poku
Ernest Poku has been directly involved in a goal in each of his last four Bundesliga matches (three goals, one assist) – the longest current streak of any player in the competition.
He has already scored as many goals in his seven Bundesliga matches as he did in his 51 Dutch Eredivisie appearances for AZ Alkmaar (three).