- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Time: 20:00(UK Time)
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Bayern Munich were forced to go through the play-offs to reach the last 16, and Vincent Kompany’s side narrowly overcame Celtic to secure their spot, and now they face a tricky all-German tie against Bundesliga rivals, Bayer Leverkusen.
Leverkusen earned direct qualification into this phase by finishing among the top eight in the group stage. The German champions are set to meet again in this knockout round, with Leverkusen enjoying the advantage of playing the second leg at home.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head
- Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen:
- Of the last four encounters, two were won by Bayer Leverkusen.
- Bayern Munich have not defeated Leverkusen since 2022, when they won 4-0 at home.
- The last three direct encounters have seen fewer than 3.5 goals scored.
Bayern’s performance in the double-header against Celtic was far from convincing, with the Bavarians having to rely on a late equaliser to secure their place in the Round of 16. They’ll need to improve against Leverkusen if they want to progress to the quarterfinals, and this first leg at Allianz Arena will be crucial for the hosts.
Leverkusen, by contrast, have enjoyed a smoother ride to this point, securing qualification without much difficulty and avoiding the likes of Real Madrid in the draw. Xabi Alonso’s team will be aiming for a positive result in Munich, with the return leg at BayArena providing them with an opportunity to finish the job at home.
Key Statistics:
- Bayern Munich have not won in their last three matches against Leverkusen in the Bundesliga (two draws and a loss).
- In the 2023-24 Bundesliga season, the two teams ended up in a 1-1 draw and a 0-0 draw in their league meetings.
- Bayer Leverkusen eliminated Bayern Munich from the DFB Cup in 2024 with a 1-0 victory at Allianz Arena, with Tella scoring the decisive goal.
Key Takeaways
- Bayern Munich enter this match as the more prestigious team but have struggled in recent encounters against Leverkusen. They will need to step up to avoid being eliminated.
- Leverkusen, while not having the same pedigree in the Champions League, have shown solid form and could cause an upset, especially given their recent success against Bayern.
- The match is expected to be closely contested, with a low-scoring draw a realistic outcome.
Betting Suggestions:
Match Winner:
- Leverkusen to win or draw (Double Chance): Leverkusen have been tough to beat in recent matchups against Bayern, and with the second leg at home, they’re in a favourable position. They have shown resilience and could hold Bayern to a draw or win outright.
Total Goals:
- Under 3.5 goals: Given the low-scoring nature of recent encounters between these two teams, betting on under 3.5 goals in this match seems a safe bet.
First Half Result:
- Draw: Both teams may approach this game cautiously, especially Bayern, who will need to avoid conceding in the first half. A draw at halftime could be likely.
Correct Score:
- 1-1 Draw: With both teams evenly matched in recent head-to-heads, a 1-1 draw seems like a plausible outcome for this first leg.
Anytime Goalscorer:
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Kane has been in excellent form and could be the key to Bayern’s attack, especially as they look to secure an advantage at home.