Leverkusen Face Uphill Struggle Against Bayern
Bayer Leverkusen face a formidable challenge when league leaders Bayern Munich visit BayArena on Saturday. The hosts currently sit sixth with 44 points, and with ambitions of qualifying for the CL, they may need to take points from the league leaders.
The situation at the top of the table underlines the scale of the task facing Leverkusen. Bayern head into the weekend on 66 points, a full 11 ahead of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, while Leverkusen could end the round six points behind fourth-placed Stuttgart if results go against them.
Match Analysis
Leverkusen’s recent league form has been somewhat inconsistent. The team have taken five points from the last twelve available, most recently drawing 3–3 with Freiburg on March 7. In that match they conceded as many goals as they had in their previous five league games combined.
Midweek brought CL action as Leverkusen hosted Arsenal. The match ended 1–1, a result that could arguably have been even better for the German side after creating several openings through the PL leaders’ defense.
The draw against Arsenal was also Leverkusen’s third consecutive home draw, two of which came in European competition. At the same time, it extended their unbeaten run at BayArena to seven matches, with four victories during that stretch.
Since Kasper Hjulmand took charge, Leverkusen’s results have included several draws. In his last six matches, the coach has overseen four draws, one defeat and one win, although the team have suffered just one loss in their last 13 games overall.
Going forward, the output has fluctuated. Leverkusen have scored six goals in their last five matches, three of which came against Freiburg, and in two of those games they failed to score.
Bayern Munich arrive with plenty of confidence after their midweek CL performance. Vincent Kompany’s side produced a 6–1 away victory against Atalanta in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.
That result extended Bayern’s unbeaten away run to 10 matches, with nine victories during that stretch.
In total, Bayern have now won seven consecutive matches in all competitions, scoring 19 goals across their last five games.
Defensively, there has been some room for improvement. In the league, Bayern have conceded 10 goals in their last seven league matches, keeping just one clean sheet in that period.
Offensively, however, they have been extremely efficient. When Bayern defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 4–1 on March 6, it marked the 20th time in 25 league games that they had scored at least three goals.
When the two sides met earlier this season, Bayern recorded a 3–0 Bundesliga victory in November 2025, their third consecutive win against Leverkusen.
Team News
Leverkusen forward Christian Michel Kofane delivered an impressive performance against Arsenal, and the teenager’s ability to challenge opposing centre-backs could be crucial again against Bayern. His work may also create space for attacking players Ibrahim Maza and Martin Terrier.
In midfield, Robert Andrich’s passing ability could prove vital, particularly with centre-back Loic Bade sidelined through injury. As a result, Andrich may be used in a back three alongside Jarell Quansah and Edmond Tapsoba.
Leverkusen must also make adjustments on the left side. Alex Grimaldo is suspended, which could open the door for Ernest Poku to start, while Jonas Hofmann is expected to line up on the opposite flank.
For Bayern Munich, Alphonso Davies suffered another injury during the CL match against Atalanta and left the field visibly distressed.
Josip Stanisic is therefore expected to step into a back four alongside Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah.
Harry Kane did not start against Atalanta but is expected to return to the lineup this weekend. The striker will likely lead the attack ahead of wingers Michael Olise and Luis Diaz.
Odds and Tips
Leverkusen will hope the support of their home crowd can provide a lift, but their attacking line has at times struggled to convert chances this season.
Bayern Munich arrive with strong momentum and an attack that has delivered impressive numbers in recent weeks. Even if the hosts manage to apply early pressure, the visitors’ offensive quality could once again prove decisive.
Tip: Bayern Munich win at 1.55.
Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last updated: 27
13.03.26
