Champions League | Round of 16 | 2nd Leg

Mar 11, 2025 at 8pm UK

BayArena

B. Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

(Agg: 0-3)

Match preview

It was Leverkusen's own doing in the second half as, trailing 1-0 at half-time, goalkeeper Matej Kovar allowed Jamal Musiala to tap in in the 54th minute after the midfielder had attempted to connect with an innocuous cross.

However, Nordi Mukiele was sent off in the 62nd minute after receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, leaving his side with no chance of recovering from the first leg.

Defender Edmond Tapsoba also conceded a late penalty for a challenge on Harry Kane, and coach Xabi Alonso will know that his side are likely to be eliminated from the competition, especially as only three teams have bounced back from a three-goal first leg deficit to win the return leg at home by four goals.

The black-and-whites also lost 2-0 at Werder Bremen in the league on Saturday, and with just nine Bundesliga games remaining, it would be a miracle if they could close the gap on Bayern.

Alonso's side have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games in all competitions, losing consecutive matches for the first time since May 2023.

Leverkusen's defeat to Werder Bremen was their first at home in 18 games - a run of 13 wins - and they have won all four of their Champions League games at the BayArena without conceding a goal.

While Bayern's opponents were helped by the black-and-whites' mistakes in the first leg, they should be credited for limiting the Bundesliga champions to just one big chance.

The visitors have scored three or more goals on six occasions in their last 10 games and have scored 26 goals in their 11 European matches this term.

Head coach Vincent Kompany's side have faced Leverkusen on three occasions in domestic competition this season, drawing twice in the league and losing once in the DFB-Pokal, conceding just two goals in the process.

It should be noted that Bayern were beaten 3-2 by VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga on Saturday despite leading by two goals at one stage, with Joao Palhinha sent off in the 42nd minute.

Prior to the defeat against Bochum, Bayern had gone 10 games unbeaten, winning eight of them.

Kompany's side have lost just two of their last 12 games away from home, although they did lose 3-0 away to Feyenoord in the Champions League on 22 January.

Recent Performance

Bayer Leverkusen Champions League form:LWWLWL

Bayer Leverkusen form (all competitions):DDWWLL

Bayern Munich Champions League form:WLWWDW

Bayern Munich form (all competitions):DDWWWL

Team News

Leverkusen defender Mukiele is suspended for his red card in the first leg, while Jean-Noel Belosian will miss the rest of the season, so Mario Hermoso, Piero Hincapie and Jonathan Tah may feature in a back three.

In midfield, Robert Andric is unavailable due to illness, and Granit Xhaka was substituted at halftime at the weekend, and his absence could see Alonso start for Exekir Palacios next to Alex Garcia.

However, Leverkusen will not be able to select star forward Florian Wirtz until the beginning of April, and his injury could see Amine Adli join Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface in attack.

As for Bayern, Manuel Neuer is not scheduled to return until late March due to calf injury, so expect Jonas Urbig to be stationed in goal behind centre-backs Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.

Joshua Kimmich is certain to feature in midfield, and he may be joined in a double pivot by Leon Goretzka.

Kane will lead the forward line, and fans are likely to see him supported by Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman and Musiala.

Possible starting lineup

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Kovar; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Garcia, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Adli; Boniface

Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:

Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane