Bayer Leverkusen will be confident ahead of their trip to Copenhagen after securing a massive result in the Bundesliga over Eintracht Frankfurt, but they must overcome the bad memories from their recent UCL away matches.
Copenhagen had a busy start to the season, dealing with three rounds of Champions League qualifications and Danish Superliga matches. And in 14 matches, they conceded only two defeats, going unbeaten in the qualifiers, but most recently losing to their biggest rival in Denmark – Brondby. But there is no time for negativity, as their return to the Champions League awaits. There is a lot to look forward to with the new format, as Copenhagen made it to the Round of 16 in 2023/24 before the major changes.
Erik ten Hag did not last long at Bayer Leverkusen and there was an immediate improvement as soon as Kasper Hjulmand replaced him. Die Werkself crushed Eintracht Frankfurt, showcasing the same strengths that made them champions and runners-up in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons. And while Leverkusen sold a bunch of their Championship players, enough quality remains in the squad to make them favourites against the likes of Copenhagen.
How the bookies view it: They don’t rule out Copenhagen
As expected, bookmakers favour Bayer Leverkusen in this matchup, although their advantage in the odds is not that significant. You can currently pick Copenhagen at 23/10 and Bayer Leverkusen at 6/5, while the draw is also priced at 23/10.
Recent head-to-head: Leverkusen are unbeaten in three H2Hs
It’s been a while since Copenhagen and Bayer Leverkusen met in the Champions League, although they met in a club friendly in 2023, which ended in a 1-0 for the German side. But back in the day, the teams met in the qualification playoffs in 2014, with Leverkusen winning both legs.
Players to watch: It’s time for Schick to shine on the big stage
With former key players like Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz now playing for other clubs, there are fewer options in Leverkusen’s squad when it comes to goalscorers. Of course, new names will rise in time, but right now, the only logical pick is Patrik Schick. With 26 goals in 2024/25, he is now the main threat in the squad and is already the most impactful player for the team with four goals in four fixtures. You can currently pick Schick at 6/5 and you can even do it for free with our exclusive Betfred Promo Code and the £50 in free bets it brings.
Probable line-ups
Copenhagen: Kotarski, Huescas, Pereira, Hatzidiakos, Lopez, Larsson, Clem, Lerager, Achouri, Moukoko, Elyounoussi
Bayer Leverkusen: Flekken, Tape, Quansah, Tapsoba, Grimaldo, Tella, Garcia, Andrich, Tillman, Schick, Kofane
Anything else catch the eye?
Copenhagen’s form suggests we shouldn’t underestimate them, and it remains unclear how prepared Bayer Leverkusen actually are. Kasper Hjulmand has not led a team in a CL tie since 2012/13 and the curious fact is he has never won a match in the competition. This, and the fact Leverkusen lost their last three away games in the Champions League make it harder for us to back them.
Which is why we will go for the goal markets. Copenhagen scored at least twice in all three of their qualification games at home, beating Basel, Malmo and Drita. We expect them to score at least once, if not more. Leverkusen’s defence has not exactly impressed to date.
Additionally, we expect to see some corners, especially if Copenhagen defend well. All three of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga fixtures featured 10+ corners, and the team had 6+ in each one. There are some good options out there, regardless if you pick Over 8.5 corners at 13/20 or Over 4.5 corners for Leverkusen at 7/10.
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