The new era of the UEFA Champions League starts this month with 36 teams in the competition. Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are ready to play their first-ever Champions League match at Bay Arena. Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, did an unbelievable job last season like a fairytale. They became the invincible Bundesliga winner, ending Bayern Munich’s successive 11-title winning streak.
Against all odds, Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title without losing a single game and have qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the very first time. However, they have a difficult long way ahead in the Champions League as they will have to play eight games in the League Phase according to the new version of the competition. Today, we will discuss Leverkusen’s upcoming mission in the new format of the UEFA Champions League.
European Elites VS Leverkusen
In the new format of the Champions League, 36 teams are divided into four pots based on their UEFA coefficients and historical performance. Bayer Leverkusen are placed in pot 2, meaning that they will face off against several European giants. Their mission will start with the match against Inter Milan. Eventually, the German champions will play against Liverpool, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Salzburg, Feyenoord, Sparta Praha, and Brest.
Inter Milan have been doing well in Serie A for the last few seasons. They are also the current champions of the Italian league. Under Simeone Inzaghi, Inter Milan have a very strong squad that can beat anyone. Captain Lautaro Martinez had a fantastic season last time and was the top scorer in Serie A with 24 goals. This season, Marcus Thuram scored four goals already in just three games. It will be a high-voltage match when Leverkusen face off Inter Milan in their opening game.
In the second, game Leverkusen will play against Liverpool. Liverpool have been one of the title contenders in the English Premier League. Although Jurgen Klopp bid farewell after eight years, new boss Arne Slot is driving Liverpool in the right direction. They have won their first three league games without conceding a single goal. Mo Salah and Luis Diaz are in brilliant form. Bayer Leverkusen will play against Liverpool at Anfield, which would be their most difficult match in the league phase.
In the third game, Leverkusen will welcome AC Milan at Bay Arena. Since winning the Serie A in the 2021-2022 season, the Rosonneri could not do well in the league. They are not in a good rhythm and finished the league 2nd with 19 points behind the table topper. There is a good chance Leverkusen could beat AC Milan at Bay Arena.
Bayer Leverkusen will play their fourth match in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid in Spain. Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, is famous for defensive football. As the home side, Atletico Madrid is the favorite against Bayer Leverkusen as they will have tremendous home support.
However, the remaining four teams are comparatively easier opponents for Leverkusen, and they should win those matches. To qualify directly to the round of 16, Bayer Leverkusen have to finish the league phase within the top 8.
