Leverkusen's league: Bayern start in unaccustomed role of challenger

Leverkusen's head coach Xabi Alonso , centre, is sprayed with beer after Bayer Leverkusen won the German Bundesliga title. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

For the first time in 12 years, Bayern Munich is not the defending champion going into a new Bundesliga season.

Bayer Leverkusen stayed undefeated last season to snap Bayern’s 11-year reign as German champion and completed a domestic double by winning the German Cup to underscore its credentials as the country’s best team.