The BayArena is set to host a mouthwatering Champions League encounter on Tuesday evening as German champions Bayer Leverkusen welcome Italian powerhouse AC Milan. This marks the first ever competitive meeting between these two storied clubs, adding extra intrigue to an already enticing matchup.
Bayer Leverkusen enter this fixture brimming with confidence after a blistering start to their Champions League campaign. Xabi Alonso’s men dismantled Feyenoord 4-0 away from home on Matchday 1, with Florian Wirtz becoming the first German to score twice on his competition debut. The Werkself have lost just two of their last 21 European matches and are unbeaten in nine straight home games in UEFA competitions.
AC Milan, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Liverpool in their opener. The Rossoneri have struggled in recent Champions League campaigns, winning only nine of their last 32 matches at this level. However, back-to-back Serie A victories, including a morale-boosting derby win over Inter, have injected new life into Paulo Fonseca’s squad.
Florian Wirtz has been in scintillating form, contributing to 24 goals in his last 26 European starts. His creativity and goal threat from midfield will be crucial for the hosts.
Meanwhile, for Milan, Christian Pulisic has hit a purple patch in Serie A, scoring in four consecutive matches. He’ll be aiming to become the first US player to net in three straight Champions League games.
Xabi Alonso has Leverkusen playing an attractive, high-pressing style that has yielded impressive results. However, they’ve conceded 10 goals in their first five Bundesliga matches, suggesting there may be defensive vulnerabilities for Milan to exploit.
Paulo Fonseca will likely set up his Milan side to absorb pressure and hit Leverkusen on the counter-attack. The pace and skill of Pulisic, Rafael Leao, and potentially Tammy Abraham could cause problems for the German backline.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen have no major injury concerns. Captain Granit Xhaka is certain to start in midfield, while Robert Andrich faces competition from Aleix Garcia and Exequiel Palacios for the other central midfield berth.
AC Milan are without Marco Sportiello, Ismael Bennacer, and Alessandro Florenzi due to injuries. Captain Davide Calabria is also doubtful with a muscular issue. Ruben Loftus-Cheek could return to the starting lineup to provide additional midfield cover.
Expected Starting XIs
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Hradecky; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Andrich, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Terrier, Wirtz; Boniface
AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Sterling
Prediction
While both teams possess considerable attacking talent, Bayer Leverkusen’s home form and momentum give them a slight edge. Milan’s defense has looked shaky at times, and Leverkusen have the quality to capitalize. Expect an entertaining, high-scoring affair with the hosts potentially edging it.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 AC Milan
