Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen

Allianz Arena forms the backdrop for the first leg of a mouth-watering all-German Champions League last-16 tie between Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern Munich came from behind to beat Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart 3-1 last weekend, extending their formidable unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games (W7, D2). Despite setting themselves up nicely for this fixture, Vincent Kompany’s men have only netted once in two home meetings with Leverkusen this season (D1, L1). They’ll look to change that narrative on the continental front, perhaps buoyed by an incredible run of nine victories from their last 11 home matches in the Champions League last-16 (D1, L1), during which they scored 41 goals! Yet, Bayern’s recent performances at Europe’s top table have flattered to deceive. In addition to a 3-0 rout at Feyenoord at the tail-end of the league stage, they scrapped past Celtic in the knockout playoff round, courtesy of a last-gasp aggregate winner. 

In the meantime, Bayer Leverkusen locked down an automatic last-16 berth after winning five out of eight league-stage fixtures (D1, L2). However, since a 4-0 demolition of Feyenoord on Matchday 1, Xabi Alonso’s charges have gone winless on their last three Champions League road trips (D1, L2), averaging only 0.66 goals per game. On the bright side, they’re undefeated in 29 consecutive away matches in the Bundesliga and head into proceedings amid an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions (W5, D3). Furthermore, ‘Die Werkself’ are yet to lose to Bayern Munich under Alonso’s stewardship (W3, D3), keeping three clean sheets across their last four H2Hs!