0 Feyenoord vs 4 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Leverkusen begins revamped UCL campaign against Feyenoord.
In a captivating UEFA Champions League clash, Feyenoord, with a formidable home record against German sides, takes on a revitalized Bayer Leverkusen at De Kuip Stadium in a battle of European ambition.
Feyenoord
Feyenoord’s inconsistent league form continued as they squandered a commanding 2-0 lead against Groningen on Saturday, culminating in their third draw from four league outings (1W, 3D, 0L), leaving them 6th on the table. Their focus will shift elsewhere as they kick off their second successive UEFA Champions League campaign.
The Dutch club's most recent encounter with German opposition came during the 2021/22 UEFA Europa Conference League group stage, where they impressively dispatched Union Berlin 3-1 at home and 2-1 away. This will be Feyenoord's seventh appearance in the Champions League proper and the first time since the 2002/03 season that they have managed back-to-back qualifications for the competition.
Having only featured three times in the last 22 campaigns, this season presents a mouthwatering opportunity for the one-time European champions to reach the round-of-16. With an exceptional home record against German sides (11W, 4D, 2L), Brian Priske, who succeeded Arne Slot at the helm, will remain optimistic about securing a positive outcome on Thursday.
Santiago Giménez is set to spearhead the attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Hugo Bueno and Quilindschy Hartman remain in doubt for this encounter.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen, despite suffering a shock defeat to RB Leipzig in their second Bundesliga fixture, have since responded in emphatic fashion, dismantling Hoffenheim with a convincing 4-1 victory.
The German side will approach this midweek UCL encounter brimming with confidence, buoyed by Victor Boniface's brace in their win over Hoffenheim, followed by an odd celebration.
Now entering their 14th appearance in the Champions League proper, though only the third in the past eight seasons, last season’s Europa League finalists Leverkusen will be keen to get off to a flying start when they face Feyenoord.
Their most recent Champions League campaign, in 2022/23, saw them finish third in a group containing Porto and Club Brugge, relegating them to the Europa League, where they progressed to the semi-finals before suffering a narrow 1-0 aggregate defeat to Roma, their only defeat in their last 11 European away fixtures [7W, 3D, 1L]. With the new format of the UEFA Champions League, Xabi Alonso will be looking to guide Leverkusen to the knockout round for the first time since 2016/17.
Victor Boniface is expected to lead the line in a dynamic 3–4–2–1 setup, flanked by Bundesliga Player of the Season [2023/24] Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli in attack.
Team form
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Team Comparison
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