Bayer Leverkusen take on Bayern Munich tonight in a mouthwatering all-German Champions League clash.
The Bundesliga rivals meet in European competition for the first time this evening. Leverkusen dethroned Bayern Munich as German champions last season, completing a historic unbeaten campaign on route to an invincible double.
However, Xabi Alonso’s side are eight points behind Bayern in this season’s title race. With their grip on the Bundesliga loosening, success in Europe could be the best route to a memorable campaign. Leverkusen qualified for the Round of 16 automatically after an impressive league phase campaign.
It’s on. 😮💨#FCBB04 | 9.00pm (CET) | Allianz Arena pic.twitter.com/FOkMmWFMgm
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 5, 2025
Bayern, in contrast, have failed to replicate their domestic form in the Champions League. The Bavarians edged out Celtic in a nervy play-off round tie to reach this stage.
Leverkusen are unbeaten in the three previous meetings this season, eliminating Bayern from the DFB-Pokal alongside two draws in the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen XI vs Bayern Munich – Predicted lineup and team news
Bayer Leverkusen team news
Leverkusen will be boosted by the return of Piero Hincapie for tonight’s tie. The Ecuadorian missed the weekend win at Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension. Hincapie’s return is well timed with Edmond Tapsoba a doubt, having missed the Frankfurt game with a muscular issue.
Xabi Alonso has otherwise an almost a full-strength squad to choose from with only Martin Terrier and Jeanuel Belocian sidelined.
Florian Wirtz, a transfer target for Bayern Munich this summer, has been crucial to their Champions League campaign. In his first season on this stage, Wirtz has scored six goals.
Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup
Bayern predicted XI: Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Aleix Garcia, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz, Schick.
When is Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen?
Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday 5th March 2025. Kick-off in Munich is 20:00 GMT.
What TV channel is Bayern vs Bayer Leverkusen on?
The Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen game will be shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK.
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