Bayer Leverkusen – FC Porto : Preview & Prediction
Xabi Alonso’s time with Bayer Leverkusen got off to a perfect start, as they defeated Schalke 4-0 last Saturday and looked dominant in the process. The Spaniard described it as a “complete performance,” but now the two-time UEFA Champions League (UCL) winner is tasked with taking Die Werkself to the last 16 of that competition for the first time since 2016/17.
Leverkusen’s loss to Porto in their final UCL match spelled the end for former coach Gerardo Seoane, and left three teams united on three points in an ultra-competitive Group B behind surprise leaders Club Brugge. A return to the BayArena could well play in Leverkusen’s favor, as they beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 here on matchday two and also won the only previous match against this Portuguese opponent at this venue.
However, FC Porto will be a tough nut to crack as they returned from the international break in top form, winning all three of their matches and conceding just one goal in the process. The team led by Sérgio Conceição now travels to Leverkusen in an attempt to avoid elimination from the UCL group stage for the second consecutive season, and the coach stated that “there is no magic wand, there is work” after last Tuesday’s victory over Leverkusen.
However, the Portuguese champions may need to end their poor away form in this competition, having won just one of their last six away games in the UCL (E2, P3). Visiting Germany hasn’t been a positive experience for Porto lately either, as they haven’t won a game there since beating Hamburg in 2006 (E1, P3), so this could be a busy night for the Dragons.
Players to watch: If Moussa Diaby can score then there could be more goals, as Leverkusen have scored at least twice in each of their last 14 games in goal. Porto left-back Wendell will be looking to stop him, and has been in the winning side in all five of his starts this season. He returns to the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club with which he recorded 250 appearances.
Key Fact: Neither of these two teams has scored a goal in the UCL before halftime so far this season.
Bayer Leverkusen – FC Porto : Betting Tips
BTS/YES Odds: 2.25
