Qarabag – Bayer Leverkusen : Preview & Prediction
After winning two of their first three matches (P1) in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) group stage, Azerbaijan’s Qarabag will be eager to maintain that impressive performance on their return to the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. Having qualified for the round of 16 of a European competition just once in the club’s history under the current format, the hosts will now go in search of a major triumph when Bayer Leverkusen come to town.
A 5-1 loss to the German side last time out would have dented Qarabag’s confidence, but their preparation for this new fixture was at its best with a 7-1 domestic league win over the weekend. This will have been a huge confidence boost and their current unbeaten run of nine home games should also leave the hosts feeling good (G7, E2), as should their 13-match unbeaten run at home in European competitions (G7, E6), especially as the visitors have a long trip ahead of the clash.
However, the reigning Azerbaijani champions will have to be at their best to stop giants Bayer Leverkusen, especially as they returned to winning ways at the weekend in a 3-2 Bundesliga victory over Hoffenheim. That kept the visitors unbeaten in the current season in all competitions after 15 matches (G14, E1), a performance that has them sitting at the top of the Bundesliga and UEL Group H.
Leverkusen will also be looking to make history in this fixture by winning their first four games in a European campaign for the first time. Their success has been based on offense, especially as their 11 goals in the UEL this season have been scored by eight different players, the most by any team in the competition.
Players to watch: Qarabag’s Juninho has scored 11 goals this season in all competitions, seven of which have opened the scoring. Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is very comfortable in this tournament as he has contributed 22 goals (ten goals, 12 assists) in 25 games, the most of any player since his debut in the competition.
Key stat: Qarabag have failed to beat German opponents in their previous seven meetings in European competitions (E1, P6).
Qarabag – Bayer Leverkusen : Betting Tips
Bayer Leverkusen – Win Odds: 1.45
