Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie tonight.

It’s a first-ever European encounter between the German giants, who have battled for Bundesliga supremacy across the last two seasons. Bayern lead the title race, having seen Leverkusen dethrone them as German champions after a 12-year stranglehold last season.

Vincent Kompany is expected to welcome Joshua Kimmich, Alphonso Davies, and Joao Palhinha back into his squad after the trio all missed training in recent days.

Leverkusen’s grip on the Bundesliga is loosening but Xabi Alonso’s side have impressed in Europe. Die Werkself qualified automatically for the Round of 16 and are unbeaten in three previous meetings with Bayern this season.

Alonso has an almost full-strength squad to choose from, though Edmond Tapsoba is a doubt. Martin Terrier and Jeanuël Belocian are ruled out.

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen – Match preview and team news

Form

Bayern Munich: WDDWW

Bayern have been in fine form domestically to win nine of their last 10 Bundesliga games. The only blemish on that record was a goalless draw with Leverkusen in February. Vincent Kompany’s side have lost just once in the Bundesliga this season but have endured a patchier record in Europe.

After missing out on the top eight in the league phase, Bayern survived a scare against Celtic in the play-off round. Alphonso Davies’ stoppage-time goal avoided the prospect of extra time in the second leg.

Harry Kane has again been in imperious form. The England captain has 29 goals in all competitions, including seven in the Champions League this season. His overall record at Bayern stands at 73 goals in 78 games.

Bayer Leverkusen: WDDWW

Bayer Leverkusen have an identical record to Bayern over the last five games. Xabi Alonso’s side have secured progress to the DFB-Pokal semi-finals as the club look to defend the trophy.

In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen warmed up for tonight’s clash with a 4-1 thrashing of third-place Eintracht Frankfurt. Patrik Schick was on target to continue his incredible renaissance this season. The Czech striker has scored 16 league goals from just 11 starts for Leverkusen in 2024/25. Only Kane has outscored him in the Bundesliga this season, though Schick’s goals-per-90 (1.47) is far superior.

Last Meeting

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Bayern Munich, February 15th 2025, Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen missed the chance to close the gap on Bayern despite dominating their draw at the BayArena. The German champions had 56% of the possession and 15 shots on goal, while reducing Bayern to zero shots on target.

Leverkusen could just not find a route to goal, with Nathan Tella and Jeremie Frimpong each hitting the crossbar.

The best chance of the contest fell to Florian Wirtz, however, who steered wide late on with the goal gaping.

Predicted Lineups

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Min-jae, Upamecano, Davies; Palhinha, Goretzka, Musiala; Olise, Coman, Kane.

Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz, Schick.

Who is the referee?

Michael Oliver (England).

What channel is Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen on?

Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen game will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.

What time is kick-off?

20:00 GMT.

Odds

Bayern Munich – 7/10

Draw – 29/10

Bayer Leverkusen – 7/2

Read – Champions League dark horses: Four teams who can upset the odds

See more – Lizbeth Ovalle has scored the best goal you will see all year

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok