They were unbeaten in six games against Bayern Munich, but in the most important match, the first leg of the Champions League Euroderby, Bayer Leverkusen collapsed, suffering a resounding defeat at the Allianz Arena that allowed the Bavarians to secure their place in the quarter-finals. The 3-0 defeat (with two goals from Kane and Musiala) a week ago is a real blow for Xabi Alonso’s men, who now face a Herculean task to overturn Vincent Kompany’s side, who can even afford to lose by two goals at the BayArena and still go through.
Unlike the three previous encounters this season (1-1 and 0-0 in the Bundesliga and 0-1 for Leverkusen in the German Cup), last Wednesday we witnessed a one-sided affair for Bayern Munich, helped by Mukiele’s sending off midway through the second half. Among the consequences of the defeat for the reigning German champions was a resounding defeat in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen: perhaps with their minds already on the return leg against Bayern, the Aspirins lost 2-0 in front of their own fans on Saturday—something that had not happened in 18 games—against a team that had lost five consecutive games, probably saying goodbye to any remaining hopes of a comeback against Bayern. It’s a shame, because Kompany’s men also suffered from the fatigue of the cup, allowing themselves to be caught up by Bayern. in a row, probably saying goodbye to any remaining chances of catching up with Bayern. It’s a shame, because Kompany’s men also paid for their cup exertions, letting a three-goal lead slip against the not-so-irresistible Bochum (2-3) at the Allianz Arena. In any case, the lead over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen remains at eight points and the Schale seems to be in the bag.
Xabi Alonso without Wirtz
One of the reasons for the collapse against Bochum was probably Kompany’s decision to make extensive changes to the lineup to give the regulars a breather. Several changes are therefore expected again in the Leverkusen match: Kane is back up front, supported by the trio of Olise, Musiala, and Coman. Second goalkeeper Urbig will start in goal after Neuer’s injury, who will not return for a couple of weeks.
On the other side, Xabi Alonso will have to do without Mukiele, who is suspended, and Wirtz (season at risk), who came off injured in the first half of the match against Werder Bremen. This is a significant blow for the Basque coach, who is forced to do without one of his most talented players. Tapsoba, Hincapie, and Tah will play in defense, with former Roma player Hermoso waiting on the bench. Belocian and Terrier are also out. Hradecky should be in goal this time, ready to take the place of Kovar, one of the negative protagonists of the first leg.
Odds comparison
The “1X” result is priced at 1.53 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Goal” result is also priced at 1.53 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai.
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The prediction
For Bayer Leverkusen, it will undoubtedly be like climbing a mountain, especially considering the absence of one of its best players, Wirtz. A comeback is therefore almost impossible for the Aspirins, who, being forced to attack at full throttle to try to recover from their huge disadvantage, will also risk conceding something at the back and being punished on the counterattack: both teams should score.
Probable line-ups for Bayer Leverkusen-Bayern Munich
BAYER LEVERKUSEN (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Aleix Garcia; Schick.
BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Urbig; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane.