As the UEFA Champions League league phase reaches its final round, Bayer Leverkusen find themselves in a tense battle for a place in the last 16. With only one loss in their opening six fixtures (W4, D1), the German side seemed destined for a comfortable top-eight finish. However, a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid has left them hanging by a thread in eighth place, level on points with multiple teams just behind them.
Leverkusen’s Home Fortress Holds the Key
Leverkusen’s superior goal difference could be their saving grace, and they will aim to capitalize on their impeccable home record in the competition. They have won all three UCL home games this season without conceding a single goal. Their dominant run at the BayArena also includes an unbeaten streak of 12 major European matches (W9, D3), their best-ever in continental competition. With so much at stake, expect a focused and aggressive performance from the hosts.
Adding an emotional twist to this clash, Patrik Schick, who started his career at Sparta Prague, will be keen to score against his former side. Given that 12 of his 17 goals this season have come at the BayArena, he is a prime candidate to make the difference.
Sparta Prague Playing for Pride
On the other side, Sparta Prague came into this fixture with nothing but pride to play for. After winning their opening game 3-0 against Salzburg, their hopes of progression quickly crumbled with a run of five consecutive defeats. Despite their struggles, the Czech side will be motivated to end their campaign on a high note and possibly make club history.
A victory here would mark their first away win against a German side in European competition since the 1992/93 season (D4, L2). Moreover, they will be desperate to end their 15-match winless streak in UCL away games (D3, L12) that dates back to December 2001. Sparta will turn to Lukáš Haraslin, their most reliable forward, who has netted four of his last five goals as match openers.
Match Prediction: A Must-Win for Leverkusen
Given the circumstances, Leverkusen will leave nothing to chance. They have been dominant at home, and with their UCL survival on the line, they are expected to come out all guns blazing. Sparta Prague’s dismal away record and defensive vulnerabilities—having faced 51 shots on target in this UCL campaign, the second-most in the competition—only increase Leverkusen’s chances of securing a crucial victory.
Final Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Sparta Prague.
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