Leverkusen Set to Triumph Over Newcastle: Here’s Why
Bayer Leverkusen is poised to face Newcastle United on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League. After a notable victory against Manchester City, they aim for another triumph against Premier League opposition.
Recent Performance Insights
Leverkusen’s recent performance has been impressive. They secured a 2-0 victory against Manchester City, thanks to goals from Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick. This win adds to their momentum after a previous 1-0 win against Benfica. As a result, they have achieved two consecutive wins in the league phase.
In contrast, Newcastle United has struggled defensively. They have conceded 11 goals in their last five away games. Notably, they took leads in three of these matches, only to end up losing, including a 2-1 defeat to Marseille. Their only away win in the last eight months came against Everton, raising questions about their form on the road.
Leverkusen’s Home Advantage
Despite a recent 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Leverkusen has excelled at home. They won their last three home league matches with an aggregate score of 10-0 and are eager to secure their first home win in this Champions League season.
Key Player Matchups
- Midfield Battles: Leverkusen boasts a tactical edge, especially with Aleix García. He has completed 93% of his league-high 1,298 open-play passes this season.
- Newcastle’s Trio: Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton form a strong midfield, known for their tenacity.
García not only leads the Bundesliga with the most touches (1,454) but also ranks high in Champions League passes completed. Ibrahim Maza and Malik Tillman have also emerged as influential players, with Tilman performing excellently against Manchester City.
Attacking Threats
Patrik Schick is regaining his scoring form. After recovering from injury, he has been involved in three goals in his last four league appearances. He scored in both recent Champions League matches, aiming to be the first Czech player since Jan Koller to score in three consecutive Champions League games.
Historically, Newcastle previously defeated Leverkusen 3-1 at the BayArena during the 2002/03 Champions League. However, current performances suggest a vastly different outcome might occur this time.
Expectations for the Match
Bayer Leverkusen appears well-prepared to secure a victory against the struggling Newcastle United. With their solid home form and key players in top shape, expectations run high for an entertaining clash at the BayArena.
