Bayer Leverkusen Returns to UEFA Champions League Spotlight

Bayer Leverkusen is making its much-anticipated return to the UEFA Champions League after an outstanding season in the Bundesliga, where they defied expectations to become unbeaten champions of Germany. Following a brief one-year absence from Europe’s top-tier competition, Leverkusen is prepared to face formidable opponents such as Liverpool and both Milan clubs. Their aim is to advance deeply into the tournament and once again challenge for illustrious silverware.

The Die Werkself will begin their Champions League journey with a trip to the Netherlands where they face Feyenoord. Having won three out of their last four matches in the current season, manager Xabi Alonso hopes to start Leverkusen’s Champions League campaign with a strong away victory, bolstering their impressive record of not losing a competitive away match since May 2023. Their only setback came in the recent UEFA final where they suffered an unexpected defeat against the Italian underdogs, Atalanta, in Ireland.

Feyenoord, after losing their former manager to Liverpool, has struggled to find their footing this season, securing only one win and three draws in their initial league games. Their fans are eager for European success, echoing the triumph of 1970, when Feyenoord last tasted major European glory. Despite their recent challenges, they remain hopeful that this could be their year.

Feyenoord faces some injuries ahead of the match, with Calvin Stengs sidelined due to a knee injury, Hugo Bueno out with a muscle injury, and Bart Nieuwkoop unlikely to feature after coming off early in their last match against FC Groningen. Nonetheless, they will be bolstered by the return of a key player, expected to play a part from the bench after recovering from a thigh injury sustained during Euro 24.

On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen travels with no new injury concerns. There is optimism that Exequiel Palacios might pass a late fitness test, which would be his return since undergoing knee surgery in early August. Notably, young talent Florian Wirtz, dubbed “The future of Germany,” is set to make his Champions League debut following a stellar performance last season.

Victor Boniface, having scored a brace recently, will likely be a crucial selection in Alonso’s lineup, providing competition upfront with Patrik Schick for the striker’s position. Additionally, new signing from Girona may also make his debut in this European campaign, playing alongside former Arsenal player, with the absence of Palacios still casting uncertainties over the midfield.

In terms of team lineups, Feyenoord is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation featuring players like Wellenreuther, Lotomba, and Giminez, while Bayer Leverkusen might adopt a 3-4-2-1 formation with Kovar, Tah, and Boniface key to their strategy.

The fixture, set to kick off at 17:45 BST, will be held at the iconic Feyenoord Stadium. It will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2 and is also available for streaming via Discovery+ for subscribers. Highlights of the match will be accessible on the TNT Sport YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.