Lars Bender: Playing against Sven is normal now

Jan 31, 2013 1:30:00 PM

The midfielder says matches versus his twin brother are nothing out of the ordinary these days, but feels that both siblings will be desperate to win

Lars Bender has claimed that playing against his twin brother, Sven, has become normal as his Bayer Leverkusen team prepare to host Borussia Dortmund.

The twins began their careers in 1860 Munchen's youth sides before going their separate ways in 2009, and their respective sides face each other on Sunday at the BayArena.

"We play against each other twice a season and that’s been the case for several years," Lars told Leverkusen's official website.

"It’s not anything out of the ordinary anymore. It’s an old story and all games are equally important for Sven and me. We haven’t got anything new to say about it."

Leverkusen sit a point above BVB in the Bundesliga table, and the Germany international is well aware of the threat posed by the champions.

"You can always struggle at Dortmund. But we weren't passionate enough then. Now we want to hold on to second spot, which we've fought hard for, and obviously not give it up without a fight.

"We can into the game in confident mood – we’re still unbeaten at home at the end of the day. I don’t think any opponent looks forward to coming here.

"We want to establish ourselves at the top of the league, and build on that against Dortmund."

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