Bayer Leverkusen vs Augsburg

BayArena sets the stage for a high-stakes Bundesliga clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Augsburg. 

Bayer Leverkusen’s bid to defend the Bundesliga crown is dead in the water after a dismal 1-1 draw against bottom-half St Pauli left them eight points adrift of runaway leaders Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso’s men have been the architects of their downfall, dropping points from winning positions seven times this term (D6, L1) after winning all 28 such fixtures in 2023/24. Furthermore, Leverkusen’s recent showings at the BayArena have flattered to deceive, with ‘Die Werkself’ only winning one of their last five home games (D2, L2), ominously failing to get on the scoresheet in all four winless outings in that stretch! On a positive note, the reigning Bundesliga champions have won five of their last six home league meetings with Augsburg (L1), netting 2+ goals on four occasions.

Meanwhile, Augsburg shared the spoils with Eintracht Frankfurt in a scoreless home draw last weekend, derailing their chances of securing European qualification. Indeed, the visitors languish six points behind the top six despite accumulating their best-ever point tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign (43). However, there’s still hope, especially considering they have only lost once across their last 14 league matches (W7, D6). Furthermore, Jess Thorup’s men have kept a club record-equaling 14 clean sheets in the Bundesliga this term, painting a vivid picture ahead of this tantalizing trip. Indeed, they’ve only won twice in their 29 previous encounters against Leverkusen (D7, L20). Still, they can draw heart from winning three of their last four away matches (D1).