The Biggest Surprise Packages in Europe’s Top Leagues This Season
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One of the greatest things about football is that surprises happen all the time. Every season, a handful of teams make an unexpected impact on Europe’s top leagues, upsetting the equilibrium.
As we enter the business end of the 2023-24 campaign, several sides remain on course to achieve something special in the respective divisions. Let’s take a closer look at the biggest surprise packages.
Bayer Leverkusen (1st in the Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich have completely dominated German football in recent times, winning each of the previous 11 Bundesliga titles. This season, however, Bayer Leverkusen look set to end Bayern’s hegemony.
Sitting 10 points clear of Bayern with 10 matches remaining, Leverkusen have yet to taste defeat this season, Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen are on the verge of winning their first-ever Bundesliga title.
Girona (2nd in La Liga)
After gaining promotion to La Liga in 2022, Girona finished 10th last term. This season, Michel Sanchez’s side are on course to qualify for the Champions League, as they currently sit second in the Spanish top flight.
There was a time when it looked as though Girona would challenge Real Madrid for the title. Although they now find themselves seven points behind the leaders, they remain nine points inside the top four.
Brest (2nd in Ligue 1)
Since gaining promotion to Ligue 1 in 2019, Brest have failed to finish higher than 11th. If their current position is anything to go by, the Pirates will register one of their best-ever finishes in the French top flight.
Indeed, Brest find themselves second in Ligue 1, having lost just four of their 24 matches this term. It is also worth noting that Brest have conceded one goal fewer than Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting their defensive solidity.
Aston Villa (4th in the Premier League)
Aston Villa spent three seasons in the Championship between 2016-17 and 2018-19. Today, the Villains are in an excellent position to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1981-82.
Thanks largely to Unai Emery’s managerial impact, Aston Villa sit fourth in the Premier League. With 11 games remaining, they trail leaders Liverpool by eight points, meaning a title challenge remains a possibility.
Bologna (4th in Serie A)
Bologna have not finished higher than ninth in any of their previous 17 Serie A campaigns. As things stand, the Greyhounds occupy fourth place in Italy’s top flight following a run of six straight wins.
Not only have Bologna lost just four of their 27 games this season, but they have also conceded 24 goals, giving them the third-best defensive record in the division. As a result, they sit four points inside the Champions League places.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
De1
583013
1
3 - 2
3.03
14°
1.33
1.33
5.75
8.50
no
no
no
2 - 0(1 - 0)
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