Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen
- Draw or Liverpool win
- Gakpo to score
Liverpool host Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield as they look to continue their excellent form under manager Arne Slot.
Sitting at the top of the Premier League and with a perfect record in the Champions League, Liverpool fans are starting to believe that this could be a special season.
However, a resilient Leverkusen side led by former Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso poses a serious threat to their ambitions.
Liverpool: Maintaining Momentum Under Slot
Arne Slot has made an immediate impact since arriving at Anfield, guiding Liverpool to 13 wins in 15 games across all competitions this season (D1, L1).
Their latest victory, a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton in the Premier League, has only fueled the growing optimism among the Anfield faithful.
With a strong home record in the Champions League — 11 wins in their last 16 home games (D2, L3) — Liverpool will be confident of extending their unbeaten run against German teams to 14 games (W10, D3).
This clash with Leverkusen also carries historical weight, as the last team to beat Liverpool in the Champions League was the German club in 2001/02.
However, Liverpool got their revenge three seasons later when Xabi Alonso, now Leverkusen’s manager, played a key role in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph. While Alonso is sure to receive a warm reception from the Anfield crowd, the Reds will be all business on the pitch.
Bayer Leverkusen: Aiming to Upset the Odds
Leverkusen come into this match in excellent form, having lost just once in 15 games this season (W9, D5).
Their Champions League campaign has started well, with two wins and a draw from their three group matches, and they have been particularly solid on the road, losing just one of their last 13 away European games (W8, D4).
This resilience on the road, combined with a four-game unbeaten streak against English teams (W2, D2), makes Leverkusen a formidable opponent.
Xabi Alonso’s side will be eager to prove their worth at Anfield, knowing that a positive result could significantly boost their prospects of progressing in the competition.
With Alonso’s knowledge of Liverpool and his success as a player in England, Leverkusen could well look to disrupt the home side’s rhythm and capitalise on any openings they find.
Key Players to Watch
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
Gakpo has hit a rich vein of form, scoring three times in his last two games. His record at Anfield is impressive, with 13 of his last 17 goals for Liverpool coming at home.
His sharp finishing and movement in the box make him a key threat, especially as Liverpool look to dominate in front of their home crowd.
Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
Xhaka brings valuable Premier League experience to Leverkusen, having faced Liverpool 15 times in his career (W4, D4, L7).
While his experience could be a steadying influence, Xhaka will need to manage his discipline, having been booked in eight of those encounters with Liverpool. His battle in midfield could be crucial in containing Liverpool’s high-tempo play.
Tactical Insights: Liverpool’s High Press vs Leverkusen’s Resilience
Liverpool will look to maintain their high-pressing style, aiming to control possession and apply pressure in Leverkusen’s half. Cody Gakpo’s recent form and Anfield record make him a focal point in their attack, and Slot’s side will likely try to seize control early to unsettle Leverkusen.
Leverkusen, however, will focus on their compact defence and midfield control, looking for opportunities to counter.
Xhaka’s experience will be vital in midfield battles, and Leverkusen’s disciplined defence on the road could pose challenges for Liverpool’s attack. If Leverkusen can weather Liverpool’s early pressure, they’ll look to exploit any spaces that open up as the game progresses.
Final Thoughts
This matchup at Anfield has all the ingredients for an enthralling Champions League clash. Liverpool’s relentless form under Arne Slot has them confident, but Xabi Alonso’s well-organised Leverkusen side has the quality and resilience to make things difficult.
With both teams bringing in-form players and tactical acumen to the pitch, this could be a close, high-stakes encounter.
Will Liverpool continue their winning run in the Champions League, or can Leverkusen pull off a memorable result on Alonso’s return to Anfield?
For more info on this game, you may also visit: