Bayer Leverkusen are building momentum at the right time. A 2-0 win over RB Leipzig on Sunday moved the Werkself to seven points from four Bundesliga matches, placing them fifth and within touching distance of the top four. It was a result that carried real significance after a mixed start to the season under Carles Martinez.

The early weeks told a complicated story. A 2-3 home defeat to promoted Elversberg on the opening day raised immediate questions, and a 2-2 draw at Augsburg in matchday three suggested the squad was still finding its footing. The 4-0 win at Union Berlin offered encouragement, but consistency remained elusive. Sunday's clean sheet against Leipzig provides the clearest sign yet that Martinez is beginning to stabilise the side.

Off the pitch, the squad continues to absorb significant change. The departures of Piero Hincapie and Alejandro Grimaldo left gaps that have not been straightforwardly filled, and the injury list has remained a concern throughout the opening weeks. Whether the new arrivals can match the influence of those who left is a question the coming weeks will answer.

Leverkusen also returned to European football this month, hosting NK Celje in the Europa League opener at the BayArena. With the competitive calendar intensifying, Martinez now faces the challenge of managing both fronts effectively. The next Bundesliga test arrives on October 10, when the Werkself travel to Mainz, who sit level on points and in sixth place.