Bayern Munich welcome Bayer Leverkusen in all German clash in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
An all-German showdown in the Champions League Round of 16 brings together two of the Bundesliga’s finest as Bayern Munich welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Allianz Arena for the first leg of their knockout clash. For the first time in European competition, these domestic rivals will test themselves on the grandest stage, adding another chapter to what has been a fascinating tactical rivalry this season.
Bayern Munich, under Vincent Kompany, are chasing a return to European glory and have enjoyed a solid domestic campaign, currently sitting atop the Bundesliga. However, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen have proven to be their biggest threat, not just in the league but across multiple competitions.
Having already beaten Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal at the Allianz Arena, Bayer Leverkusen remain unbeaten in their three meetings with the German champions this season, a feat that underscores the remarkable progress the club has made under Alonso. But the Champions League is a different beast, and Bayern Munich, despite their stumbles, remain one of the most formidable sides in this competition.
The Bavarians have dominated in the Last 16 over the years, losing just one of their last eleven home legs at this stage while racking up 41 goals in that period. The Allianz Arena has often been a fortress in Europe, with Bayern producing heavy victories against teams like Red Bull Salzburg, Arsenal, and Besiktas at this stage in previous years.
However, Bayer Leverkusen will feel they have the tools to cause an upset. They are unbeaten in 29 Bundesliga away games, showcasing their defensive solidity and ability to control games. Yet, their form on the road in Europe has been a concern, as they have lost their last two away matches in this competition, including a tough defeat at Liverpool and a controversial loss to Atletico Madrid.
If they want to progress, they must overcome those struggles and show the same tactical discipline that helped them hold Bayern Munich to a 0-0 draw at the BayArena last month. Die Roten’s success this season has been built on a blend of possession-based football and ruthless efficiency in the final third.
Harry Kane remains their talisman, leading the Bundesliga scoring charts, while Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sane continue to provide creativity and pace in attack. Bayern’s ability to stretch defences and create overloads in wide areas will be a key factor, especially with the attacking full-back play of Alphonso Davies.
However, if there is one team that can handle Bayern’s firepower, it is Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso’s side has shown exceptional defensive organisation, with Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba forming one of the league’s strongest centre-back partnerships. In midfield, Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios bring balance and structure, ensuring Leverkusen remain compact while still posing a threat in transition.
The visitors’ biggest weapon could be their ability to counter-attack with precision. Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have been electric this season, leading quick attacking transitions and exposing opposition weaknesses on the break. Wirtz’s ability to find space between the lines and link up with Victor Boniface will be crucial against a Bayern Munich side that loves to push forward.
Leverkusen’s pressing strategy has also troubled Bayern before. In their last Bundesliga meeting, they restricted the champions to just two shots on target, a testament to Alonso’s meticulous defensive planning. If they replicate that level of discipline, they could frustrate Bayern and limit their attacking fluency. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are optimistic about having Joshua Kimmich available for this crucial encounter after he returned to light training over the weekend. His potential return would be a significant boost, especially amid discussions over a new long-term contract that could keep him at the club beyond 2025.
However, Bayern Munich’s preparations have been slightly disrupted, with multiple players dealing with minor fitness concerns. Eric Dier and Aleksandar Pavlovic were absent from team training on Sunday due to illness, while Jamal Musiala, Joao Palhinha, and Alphonso Davies were all nursing minor knocks. Despite these setbacks, all five players are expected to be fit for selection, meaning Vincent Kompany should have a full squad to choose from.
One certainty is the presence of Harry Kane, who remains Bayern Munich’s primary attacking threat. The England captain has been in scintillating form in the Champions League, contributing to 20 goals (15 goals, 5 assists) since the start of last season — more than any other player. His ability to link up with Bayern’s creative players and deliver in big moments makes him the key figure in this tie.
Die Roten are expected to line up in their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Manuel Neuer between the posts. The defensive line should consist of Konrad Laimer at right-back, with Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano forming a central defensive partnership, while Alphonso Davies, fresh off his heroics against Celtic, will be stationed at left-back to provide width and attacking support.
In midfield, Joao Palhinha will act as the enforcer, shielding the defence and winning back possession, while Leon Goretzka brings energy, forward runs, and a goal threat from deep. The attacking trio behind Harry Kane will likely include Michael Olise on the right, Jamal Musiala in a central playmaking role, and Kingsley Coman on the left.
Olise’s trickery and delivery, combined with Musiala’s dribbling ability and Coman’s pace, should give Bayern multiple avenues of attack against a well-drilled Leverkusen defence. With Kane leading the line, Bayern will look to dominate possession, stretch the opposition with their wide players, and create overloads in the attacking third. Their biggest challenge will be breaking down Leverkusen’s disciplined defensive setup, which has frustrated them multiple times this season.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Kim, Upamecano, Davies; Palhinha, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen enter this contest with Florian Wirtz in outstanding form, proving himself as one of the most dangerous playmakers in European football. The German international has racked up six goals and an assist in the Champions League league phase, putting him within touching distance of Michael Ballack’s club record of nine goal involvements in a single European campaign, which was set during Leverkusen’s famous run to the 2001/02 final.
Defensively, Piero Hincapie is back in contention after serving a domestic suspension, which will provide a significant boost to Xabi Alonso’s backline. However, Jeanuel Belocian remains unavailable due to a long-term injury, meaning the Ecuadorian defender will slot straight back into the starting XI.
Elsewhere, Martin Terrier is the only other injury concern, but Bayer Leverkusen have no fresh fitness issues, which allowed Alonso to field a strong lineup in their last Bundesliga match despite this high-stakes Champions League encounter looming. This decision underlines Leverkusen’s serious intent to compete on all fronts, with the Spanish coach taking no chances as his side aims for European glory.
Xabi Alonso will continue to deploy his trusted 3-4-3 system, which has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s success this season. Lukas Hradecky remains the undisputed No. 1 in goal, while the back three will consist of Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapie, forming a balanced blend of physicality, composure, and ball progression from deep.
On the flanks, Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo will provide width, both being integral to Leverkusen’s attacking transitions. Frimpong’s pace and direct dribbling on the right will be a major weapon, while Grimaldo’s set-piece delivery and ability to cut inside add a different dimension to their left-sided play.
In midfield, Aleix Garcia and Granit Xhaka will act as the metronomes, dictating the tempo and ensuring Leverkusen maintain their high-pressing intensity. Xhaka’s leadership and Garcia’s vision will be vital in breaking Bayern’s midfield structure, particularly if they aim to bypass João Palhinha’s defensive presence in the opposition ranks.
The front three of Nathan Tella, Patrik Schick, and Florian Wirtz will pose a multi-faceted threat. Tella’s energy and movement will stretch the Bayern defence, while Schick’s aerial prowess and hold-up play will serve as a focal point in attack. The key man, however, remains Florian Wirtz, whose ability to drift between the lines, create chances, and score from range makes him Leverkusen’s most potent attacking asset.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Schick, Wirtz
Key Stats
- This will be the first time Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen face each other in a major European competition. Bayern last played a German opponent in Europe when they defeated Borussia Dortmund in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League final, while Leverkusen’s last European encounter with a German side was in the 2007-08 UEFA Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Hamburger SV.
- Under Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last six matches against Bayern Munich in all competitions (W3 D3). Notably, they have kept clean sheets in three of their last four meetings against Bayern, a stark contrast to their previous 15 encounters, where they had conceded 42 goals without keeping a single clean sheet.
- Bayern Munich have won each of their last three European matches against German opposition, one more victory than in their previous eight encounters (W2 D1 L5).
- Bayer Leverkusen have lost just one of their last four European games against German opposition (W2 D1), keeping clean sheets in three of those matches.
- Bayern Munich have lost just one of their last 11 home matches played at the UEFA Champions League last-16 stage (W9 D1), with that lone defeat coming against Liverpool in March 2019 (3-1 loss). Across those 11 games, they have scored an impressive 41 goals.
Player to Watch
Florian Wirtz
Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is the player to watch in this highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s remarkable form under Xabi Alonso, becoming the creative heartbeat of the team.
Wirtz has been in exceptional form in his first-ever Champions League campaign, having already scored six goals and provided one assist in the league phase. He is now just two goal involvements away from breaking Michael Ballack’s club record of nine goal contributions in a single European season, which was set during Leverkusen’s run to the 2001/02 final.
Technically gifted and highly intelligent, Wirtz thrives in tight spaces, dictating the tempo of Leverkusen’s attacks with his exceptional vision, dribbling, and passing range. His ability to break defensive lines and link up with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Patrik Schick will be crucial in unlocking Bayern’s defence.
Facing a Bayern Munich side that has struggled defensively at times this season, Wirtz will be a key difference-maker, especially if Leverkusen look to exploit spaces on the counter-attack. If he can continue his red-hot form in Europe, the young playmaker could guide Leverkusen to a historic result at the Allianz Arena.
Prediction
Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
A closely contested tactical battle where Bayern Munich dominate possession, but Bayer Leverkusen’s defensive structure and counter-attacking threat help them earn a valuable result ahead of the second leg.
Bayern’s home record in the UEFA Champions League makes them favorites, but Leverkusen’s organization and ability to execute Xabi Alonso’s system should not be underestimated. While Bayern will likely control possession and create more chances, Leverkusen have the defensive resilience to hold firm and strike on the break. The Hard Tackle predicts a 1-1 draw.
