Feyenoord finished as runners-up to PSV last season in the Eredivisie, losing their Dutch championship title but securing a spot in the revamped Champions League format. However, their start to the new domestic season has been a bit shaky.
Despite remaining unbeaten in their first three games, Feyenoord drew twice—against Willem II (1-1) and Sparta Rotterdam (1-1) before the international break. In between, they managed a commanding 5-1 win over Zwolle, a team battling relegation. Last weekend, Feyenoord sought to maintain their unbeaten run in a match against Groningen.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign as Bundesliga champions last season under coach Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen clinched their first-ever German title but fell short in the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta, where Lookman netted a hat-trick.
Leverkusen’s season can be summed up as dominant domestically, winning both the Bundesliga and the German Cup. However, they stumbled early this season, losing 2-3 at home to RB Leipzig before the international break.
They had won their opening match, though narrowly, with a 3-2 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Leverkusen also captured the German Super Cup after beating Stuttgart in a penalty shootout.
As for team news, Feyenoord could be missing Hartman, who provided five assists last season, and Austrian international Trauner, who has been sidelined since the Euros.
Despite this, key players like Mexican international Santiago Gimenez (23 goals, 6 assists last season), Dutch international Quinten Timber, winger Stengs, Brazilian Paixao, and Japanese international Ayase Ueda will be available. Gimenez has already scored twice this season and provided an assist.
For Leverkusen, Argentinian Palacios (4 goals, 5 assists last season) remains injured, while Finnish goalkeeper Hradecky, who missed the Leipzig match, returned to play for his national team.
Key players from last season, such as Wirtz, Boniface, Swiss international Xhaka, and full-backs Frimpong and Grimaldo, are all set to feature. New signings Martin Terrier and Aleix Garcia from Girona are also part of the squad for this clash.
Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen has consistently seen high-scoring away matches, with 18 consecutive fixtures featuring at least two goals.
Feyenoord’s Champions League history is similar, with 15 of their last 16 games producing over 2.5 goals. Fans can expect a lively encounter with plenty of action.
Prediction: Feyenoord 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen
