Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen: Preview, predictions and lineups
The Bundesliga’s prime two collide within the Champions League spherical of 16, with Bayern Munich internet hosting Bayer Leverkusen within the first leg on Wednesday night time.
Leverkusen have as soon as once more impressed in 2024/25, however they give the impression of being set to relinquish their Bundesliga crown to the nation’s dominant power with Bayern rebounding within the wake of Die Werkself’s historic marketing campaign.
Vincent Kompany’s facet are at present eight factors clear on the summit after Leverkusen squandered a golden alternative to shut the hole of their latest head-to-head duel. Bayern head into the bout off the again of emphatic victories over Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart, whereas the champions have misplaced only one sport in 2025.
They’ve additionally loved super success on this fixture since Xabi Alonso took the reins. The Spaniard hasn’t misplaced any of his six conferences towards the Rekordmeister, and his group claimed victory on the Allianz Area within the DFB-Pokal final December.
The guests certified for the spherical of 16 robotically after ending within the prime eight of the league part desk, whereas Bayern squeezed previous Celtic within the play-offs to advance into the knockouts.
Here is 90min’s information to this all-German affair within the Champions League.
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen head-to-head file (final 5 video games)
Present type (all competitions)
|
Bayern Munich |
Bayer Leverkusen |
|---|---|
|
Stuttgart 1-3 Bayern Munich – 28/02/25 |
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-4 Bayer Leverkusen – 01/03/25 |
|
Bayern Munich 4-0 Eintracht Frankfurt – 23/02/25 |
Holstein Kiel 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen – 22/02/25 |
|
Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic – 18/02/25 |
Bayern Leverkusen 0-0 Bayern Munich – 15/02/25 |
|
Bayern Leverkusen 0-0 Bayern Munich – 15/02/25 |
Wolfsburg 0-0 Bayer Leverkusen – 08/02/25 |
|
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich – 12/02/25 |
Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 (AET) FC Koln – 05/02/25 |
|
Nation |
TV channel/stay stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
discovery+, discovery+ App, TNT Sports activities 2 |
|
United States |
Paramount+ |
|
Canada |
DAZN Canada |
Joshua Kimmich returned to coaching within the build-up to Wednesday’s first leg having recovered from a minor Achilles harm. The German nationwide group skipper is predicted to return to Kompany’s beginning XI immediately, though Leon Goretzka and Joao Palhinha carried out nicely in Stuttgart.
Aleksandar Pavlovic is as soon as once more battling sickness and is a doubt because of this. Tarek Buchmann not too long ago underwent shoulder surgical procedure and will not function once more this season.
Harry Kane’s minutes had been managed two weekends in the past towards Eintracht Frankfurt, however he performed the whole thing of Friday night time’s win.
Bayern predicted lineup vs Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Sane; Kane
Alonso hinted that Edmond Tapsoba missed Leverkusen’s latest win over Frankfurt as a precaution, however there’s nonetheless some doubt over the defender’s standing for Wednesday’s first leg.
The supervisor is hopeful that Tapsoba is match to return, however the Spaniard might should utilise both Mario Hermoso or Piero Hincapie in his backline.
Aleix Garcia ought to retain his place alongside Granit Xhaka regardless of Robert Andrich’s availability, whereas Martin Terrier and Jeanuel Balacion will not play once more this season on account of long-term harm setbacks.
Leverkusen predicted lineup vs Bayern (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba; Frimpong, Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Schick.
Many are writing Bayern Munich off after their unconvincing show towards Celtic, however Kompany’s facet will take nice confidence from their two most up-to-date performances towards tough Bundesliga opponents.
This is probably not a classic iteration of Die Roten and Alonso’s Leverkusen have had their quantity because the Spaniard took cost, however pedigree and heritage matter within the competitors. Bayern have it in abundance, and so they’ll edge this tight first leg on house soil.
