On Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:45 pm UK time, Dutch side Feyenoord hosts Bayer Leverkusen at De Kuip in what promises to be an exciting Champions League group-stage clash. Feyenoord, the 2023 Eredivisie champions, are looking to make a major impact in Europe under new manager Brian Priske, while Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, seek to continue their domestic and European dominance under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.
Both clubs had impressive runs last season, with Feyenoord finishing second in the Eredivisie and Leverkusen claiming the Bundesliga title. With each side eager to start their Champions League campaigns on the right foot, an electric atmosphere is expected at De Kuip.
Team Analysis:
Feyenoord:
After winning their 16th Dutch title in 2023, Feyenoord struggled last season, finishing behind PSV Eindhoven despite improving their points tally. However, they did manage to win the KNVB Beker as consolation. This season sees a new man in charge, as Brian Priske replaced Arne Slot following Slot’s departure to Liverpool. The Danish coach has had a challenging start, with just one win from four league games, and his team already trails PSV by nine points.
Feyenoord is participating in successive Champions League seasons for the first time since 2002. Despite a strong European history that includes winning the European Cup in 1970, the club has failed to make a significant impact in the modern era of the competition. Last season, they dropped into the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group, before losing on penalties to AS Roma in the knockout-round playoffs.
Santiago Gimenez, Feyenoord’s star striker, will be key to their success in this match. With Calvin Stengs ruled out due to a knee injury and Hugo Bueno sidelined with a muscle problem, Feyenoord will need their attacking players like Paixao and Nadje to step up. In defense, Jordan Lotomba and Gernot Trauner could feature, the latter having recently returned from injury.
One advantage for Feyenoord is their formidable home form in European competitions. They have lost just one of their last 18 matches at De Kuip, winning 14, making the Rotterdam fortress a difficult place for visiting teams.
Bayer Leverkusen:
Bayer Leverkusen comes into this match after an unforgettable season in which they claimed their first-ever Bundesliga title and reached the Europa League final, only to lose to Atalanta. The German side also made it to the final by defeating tough opponents like Roma in the earlier rounds. Leverkusen’s relentless performances and ability to produce late-game heroics earned them a place among Europe’s elite.
Leverkusen’s last Champions League appearance came two years ago, where they finished third in their group. This time around, Xabi Alonso’s men will be aiming to advance past the group stage and challenge for a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2017.
Victor Boniface, who scored a brace in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga win last weekend, and Patrick Schick will battle for a starting spot up front. Meanwhile, Florian Wirtz, who has dominated in the Europa League with 12 goals and 12 assists across four seasons, will finally make his Champions League debut. Wirtz’s creativity and ability to create chances will be crucial for Leverkusen’s attacking efforts.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka is set to marshal proceedings, partnering with either Robert Andrich or Aleix Garcia. Defensively, Leverkusen boasts the solidity of Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié, while Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo provide pace and width from the wing-back positions.
Leverkusen’s away form in Europe has been impressive, with just one loss in their last 11 matches, including seven wins. They will be confident heading into this match despite their recent Bundesliga defeat to Leipzig.
Head-to-Head:
This match marks only the second competitive meeting between Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen. Their only previous encounter came during Leverkusen’s victorious 1988 UEFA Cup campaign, where the German side triumphed over Feyenoord in the third round en route to lifting the trophy.
Prediction and Betting Tips:
Prediction: Both teams are looking to make strong starts to their Champions League campaigns, but Bayer Leverkusen’s recent form and superior squad depth make them slight favourites in this matchup. Feyenoord’s home form is a significant factor, but Leverkusen’s quality in attack, especially with the likes of Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface, should see them edge this encounter.
AD:
Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Feyenoord 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen.
Justification:
While Feyenoord has a strong home record in Europe, Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking power and ability to grind out results on the road should give them the advantage. Florian Wirtz’s creativity and Victor Boniface’s clinical finishing are likely to be the difference-makers in what should be a closely contested match.
Betting Markets:
- Both Teams to Score: Yes
- Feyenoord’s home record and Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking strength suggest that both teams are likely to find the back of the net.
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
- With both sides boasting strong attacking players, this match could easily see three or more goals.
- Hot Stat:
- Florian Wirtz to assist anytime. The young German playmaker has been instrumental for Leverkusen in Europe and will likely have a key role in creating chances for his teammates.
- Corners Total: Over 9.5 corners
- Given the attacking intent of both teams, this game is likely to feature a high number of corners.
Team News:
Feyenoord:
- Calvin Stengs is out with a knee injury, while Hugo Bueno remains sidelined with a muscle problem.
- Star striker Santiago Gimenez is expected to start up front, supported by Paixao and Nadje in attack.
- Gernot Trauner returned to action recently after recovering from a thigh injury and should be on the bench for this match.
Bayer Leverkusen:
- Exequiel Palacios faces a late fitness test, but otherwise, Leverkusen has no major injury concerns.
- Victor Boniface and Patrick Schick will compete for a starting spot up front, while Florian Wirtz is expected to make his long-awaited Champions League debut.
- Granit Xhaka will lead the midfield, with support from either Robert Andrich or Aleix Garcia.
Probable Lineups:
Feyenoord Starting XI:
Wellenreuther; Lotomba, Beelen, Hancko, Smal; Timber, Zechiel; Nieuwkoop, Nadje, Paixao; Gimenez
Bayer Leverkusen Starting XI:
Kovar; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface.
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