Bayer Leverkusen had a strong start in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase this season, with only one loss in their first six games (W4, D1). This put them in a favourable position to secure a top eight finish and direct progression to the last 16. However, a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid in their last match has now left them in eighth place, tied on points with several other teams behind them on goal difference. Their superior goal difference could prove to be crucial in securing their spot, especially as they have won all three of their home UCL games without conceding a single goal this season. Leverkusen will be looking to continue this strong home form and leave nothing to chance. Another advantage for them is that they have remained unbeaten in their last 12 major European home matches (W9, D3) after defeating Inter Milan in their last match at BayArena.
On the other hand, their opponents Sparta Prague have already been eliminated from the league phase this season. Despite starting with a convincing 3-0 win against Salzburg in September, they have suffered five consecutive defeats and will mainly be playing for pride in this match. However, a win for Sparta would see them achieve their first victory against a German team in European competition since the 1992/93 season (D4, L2). It would also end their 15-game winless streak in away UCL matches (D3, L12 – excluding qualifiers) which dates back to December 2001.
Keep an eye on Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, who started his career at Sparta and has scored 12 out of his 17 goals this season at BayArena, making him a strong candidate to score against his former team. As for Sparta, Lukáš Haraslin will be their main attacking threat, as four of his last five goals have been the first of the match. Interesting fact: Sparta have faced 51 shots on target in the UCL league phase this season, which is the second-highest in the competition.
