Bayer Leverkusen Hosts Mainz in Crucial Bundesliga Clash

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Bayer Leverkusen will host Mainz 05 in a pivotal Bundesliga clash on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at BayArena. The match, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time, sees second-placed Leverkusen aiming to close the gap on league leaders Bayern Munich, while fifth-placed Mainz looks to continue their impressive form.

Leverkusen, currently on 35 points, trail Bayern by four points after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund last Friday. Mainz, with 28 points, secured a 2-0 win against Bochum on Saturday, extending their strong run in the league. Both teams enter the match in fine form, with Leverkusen unbeaten in their last 11 home games and Mainz winning six of their last seven Bundesliga fixtures.

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised his team’s discipline after their win over Dortmund, stating, “We did it well with the ball but also really well without the ball. We did not concede much. It is a development of our game that we can compete in this way.” Despite controlling only 30% possession against Dortmund, Leverkusen’s counter-attacking prowess proved decisive.

Mainz boss Bo Henriksen highlighted his team’s tactical execution in their victory over Bochum, saying, “We put together a good plan – knew that it would depend a lot on long balls and second balls. We defended very, very well.” Mainz’s defensive solidity and attacking efficiency have been key to their recent success, with striker Jonathan Burkardt leading the charge with 12 goals this season.

Leverkusen will be without forwards Victor Boniface and Adam Hložek due to injuries, while Mainz will miss midfielder Leandro Barreiro through suspension and winger Ludovic Ajorque due to a calf injury. Key players for Leverkusen include Patrik Schick, who has scored 12 goals this season, and Florian Wirtz, who has been instrumental in midfield. Mainz will rely on Burkardt and Lee Jae-sung to provide attacking impetus.

With both teams in strong form, the match is expected to be closely contested. Leverkusen’s home advantage and counter-attacking threat could prove decisive, but Mainz’s resilience and Burkardt’s scoring form make them a dangerous opponent.