Bender brothers ready for battle

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender says playing against his twin brother Sven has become normal.

The twins began their careers in 1860 Munich’s youth sides before going their separate ways in 2009, and Lars’ Leverkusen face Sven’s Borussia Dortmund 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 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 Dortmund in the Bundesliga, and the Germany international is well aware of the threat posed by the champions.

“We want to hold on to second spot, which we’ve fought hard for, and obviously not give it up without a fight,” Lars said.

“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.”