Champions League action returns on Tuesday as Bayer Leverkusen welcome Bayern Munich to the BayArena for the second-leg of their last-16 tie.
Xabi Alonso’s men will have produce one of the greatest comebacks of all time to reach the quarter-finals following the 3-0 loss to Bayern earlier this month.
Match Preview
Leverkusen produced a poor display at the Allianz Arena. Harry Kane opened the scoring in the ninth minute before goalkeeper Matej Kovar’s mistake allowed Jamal Musiala to add another early in the second-half.
To make matters worse for the visitors, Nordi Mukiele was dismissed after he received a second yellow after the hour mark.
Edmond Tapsoba conceded a penalty late on and Kane stepped up to net his second on the night.
Leverkusen followed that up with another disappointing result as they lost 2-0 to Werder Bremen at the weekend.
However, Alonso’s side can take some confidence from the fact that Bayern also ended up losing 3-2 to VfL Bochum on Saturday, despite initially taking a two-goal lead.
The two Bundesliga giants have met each other three times domestically this season, with two draws and a victory for Leverkusen in the DFB-Pokal.
Team News
Leverkusen will not be able to call upon the services of Jeanuel Belocian and Florian Wirtz as they are both sidelined with fitness issues. Mukiele is suspended, while Robert Andrich’s availability is doubtful as a result of illness.
As for Bayern, Manuel Neuer is a guaranteed absentee as he is not expected to be back until late March due to a calf injury. In the absence of the 38-year-old, manager Vincent Kompnay will start Jonas Urbig between the sticks.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich potential line-ups
Bayer Leverkusen: Kovar; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Boniface
Bayern Munich: Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro; Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
How to Watch?
Football fans can enjoy all Champions League games via online streams.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich prediction
Leverkusen boast an impressive record at home, and we are backing them to win on Tuesday. But Bayern are expected to progress to the quarter-finals after taking a 3-0 lead from the first-leg.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Bayern Munich (Bayern win 4-2 on aggregate)
