Bayer Leverkusen began their Champions League journey with a commanding 4-0 victory over Feyenoord, a result that firmly places Xabi Alonso’s team among the top contenders in their group.
This performance mirrors Leverkusen’s strong form from last season, where they remained unbeaten until a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League final.
Leverkusen had hoped to end last season with a treble, having already clinched the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.
This season, they have continued to perform well, suffering just one loss to RB Leipzig (2-3), which snapped their impressive unbeaten domestic run. They currently sit second in the Bundesliga, just behind Bayern Munich, having secured three wins and nine points.
Their latest fixture saw them face Bayern Munich in a highly anticipated match. Meanwhile, AC Milan’s start to the season has been more erratic, with inconsistent results. Milan began with a trio of winless games, drawing 2-2 against both Torino and Lazio and losing 2-1 to newly promoted Parma.
However, Milan regained form with two wins, including a 4-0 victory over Venezia and a gritty 2-1 triumph in the Madonnina derby against defending champions Inter Milan. Despite Christian Pulisic’s early goal, Milan fell 3-1 to Liverpool in their Champions League opener.
Leverkusen will be at full strength for this match, with no injuries or suspensions impacting the squad. Key players like Florian Wirtz (four goals this season, including two against Feyenoord) and Boniface (three Bundesliga goals) are set to feature.
Grimaldo, who also scored against Feyenoord, is another crucial figure, while former Rennes forward Martin Terrier could be pushing for a starting spot.
In contrast, AC Milan is grappling with several injuries. Key players such as Bennacer, Thiaw, and backup goalkeeper Sportiello are sidelined, along with full-back Florenzi.
Despite this, Milan has a potent attack led by Alvaro Morata (who won the European Championship with Spain), dynamic winger Rafael Leao (1 goal, 2 assists in Serie A), and Christian Pulisic, who scored against Liverpool. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has also been vital in Milan’s balance between attack and defense.
Prediction
Both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs lately. AC Milan’s last 13 matches in major competitions have featured over 2.5 goals, with a cumulative goal difference of 43-10.
Similarly, nine of Bayer Leverkusen’s last ten matches have also seen over 2.5 goals. This match promises to be an exciting, goal-filled encounter.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2 : 2 AC Milan
