After a three-goal defeat to Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen aims to recover in the second leg of their Champions League matchup. Despite the setback, Leverkusen believes in their ability to overcome challenges, even without their key player Florian Wirtz.
Coach Xabi Alonso expressed confidence, stating, “The team is convinced we can come back for many reasons, importantly, we have nothing to lose, while Bayern does. Bayern fans are confident of their victory, but we have everything to gain.”
Leverkusen, who had a strong record against Bayern before their recent loss, might still aim for a win on the night. However, their chances of reaching the quarterfinals are slim. Nevertheless, Leverkusen is known for defying expectations, as seen last season.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen: Leverkusen’s challenge is intensified by the absence of Florian Wirtz, who is sidelined for several weeks with a knee ligament injury. Alonso acknowledged Wirtz’s importance, saying, “I’m very sorry for Flo, especially as he was performing excellently. This is an opportunity to demonstrate our team strength and win without him. It’s crucial for us to advance in the Champions League for Flo to rejoin us later this season. There’s no bigger challenge than tomorrow’s game without Flo.”
Further complicating matters, Martin Terrier is also unavailable due to an Achilles issue. Additionally, Granit Xhaka, Edmond Tapsoba, Robert Andrich, and Jonas Hoffman have been ill, though the first three participated in Monday’s training. Nordi Mukiele is suspended for the game.
Possible Bayer Leverkusen XI: Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hinacpie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Schick, Adli
Bayern Munich: Bayern Munich has fewer injury concerns after the first leg. Manuel Neuer is out with a calf injury, and Aleksandar Pavlovic is ill.
Coach Vincent Kompany has other considerations. Following a rotated team’s 3-2 loss to Bochum, few players secured their starting positions for Tuesday. Joao Palhinha, despite a red card in the Bochum game, might still start to prevent Leon Goretzka from receiving a yellow card that would suspend him for the quarterfinal’s first leg. Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry are also at risk of suspension, but Bayern has ample replacements.
Possible Bayern Munich XI: Urbig; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Viewing Information
- Date: Tuesday, March 11 | Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Location: Bay Arena — Leverkusen, Germany
- Watch: Paramount+
- Odds: Bayer Leverkusen +170; Draw +250; Bayern Munich +150
Prediction
Leverkusen is expected to fight hard, but overcoming Bayern might be too difficult. PICK: Leverkusen 2, Bayern Munich 0
