Bayer Leverkusen started their Champions League campaign in impressive fashion with a commanding 4-0 victory over Feyenoord away from home.
This win places Xabi Alonso’s side among the top contenders in their group, reflecting the strong form they showed last season when they remained unbeaten until a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Leverkusen had been aiming to cap off last season with a treble, having already secured the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.
This year, they’ve continued their solid run in the Bundesliga, with only one loss to RB Leipzig (2-3), which ended their national unbeaten streak. They currently sit second in the league standings, just behind Bayern Munich, with three wins and nine points.
Last weekend, Leverkusen faced off against Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated match. Meanwhile, AC Milan has had a more turbulent start to their season, experiencing inconsistent results. They began with three winless games, drawing 2-2 against both Torino and Lazio, and losing 2-1 to newly promoted Parma.
However, Milan rebounded with two key victories, a 4-0 win over Venezia and a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the Madonnina derby against reigning champions Inter Milan. Despite Christian Pulisic scoring early against Liverpool in their Champions League opener, Milan fell 3-1 in that match.
Leverkusen comes into this clash with a fully fit squad, free from injuries or suspensions. Key players from last season, including Florian Wirtz (who already has four goals this season, two of which came against Feyenoord) and Boniface (with three Bundesliga goals), are expected to make an impact.
Grimaldo, who also scored against Feyenoord, will be a vital presence, while former Rennes player Martin Terrier could also feature in the starting lineup.
AC Milan, on the other hand, is dealing with several injury concerns. Key players like Bennacer, Thiaw, full-back Florenzi (who usually rotates), and backup goalkeeper Sportiello are all sidelined.
Despite these absences, Milan’s attack remains potent with players like Alvaro Morata (who won the European Championship with Spain this summer), the dynamic winger Rafael Leao (1 goal and 2 assists in Serie A), and American international Christian Pulisic (who scored against Liverpool).
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, another former Chelsea player, has also been key in balancing the team’s offensive and defensive play.
Prediction
Both teams have been involved in high-scoring games recently. AC Milan’s last 13 competitive matches have all featured over 2.5 goals, with a combined goal difference of 43-10.
Similarly, nine of Bayer Leverkusen’s last 10 matches at this level have also seen more than 2.5 goals. This sets the stage for an exciting, goal-filled encounter.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2 : 2 AC Milan
