Bayer Leverkusen and Qarabag : A Europa League Clash Revisited

The Europa League continues to serve up thrilling encounters, and the upcoming clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Qarabag promises to be no different.

Having already met thrice in the past few months, the two teams are set to renew their rivalry in the last-16 round.

Overview of the Match

Bayer Leverkusen and Qarabag find themselves in familiar territory, having finished atop Group H. The first leg of their last-16 tie ended in a gripping 2-2 draw, leaving everything to play for in the return fixture. Leverkusen holds the advantage, especially with the support of their home crowd.

Recent Performance of Bayer Leverkusen

Die Werkself has been in scintillating form, recording an impressive 13 wins and 2 draws in their last 15 matches across all competitions. Their attacking prowess was on full display during the group stages, particularly at home, where they notched up 14 goals in just three games.

Recent Performance of Qarabag

Qarabag has also showcased their quality, albeit with some defensive frailties. Despite these vulnerabilities, they managed to hold Leverkusen to a draw in the first leg, a testament to their resilience.

Previous Encounters

Bayer Leverkusen dominated the group stage encounters, securing two wins overQarabag, including a commanding 5-1 victory at home. However, Qarabag showed their mettle in the first leg of the last-16 tie, earning a hard-fought draw.

Analysis of the First Leg

The first leg saw Leverkusen trailing by two goals early on, but second-half substitutions turned the tide in their favor, salvaging a crucial draw. The match highlighted Leverkusen’s depth and resilience under pressure.

Recent Form and Squad News

Leverkusen continued their winning streak in the Bundesliga, while Qarabag maintained their position at the top of the Portuguese league. Both teams have relatively fit squads, with key players expected to feature prominently in the return leg.

Predictions and Betting Tips

With Leverkusen’s impressive form and home advantage, they are favorites to secure a victory and advance to the quarter-finals. Betting enthusiasts might consider backing Leverkusen to win with a -2.5 Asian Handicap, given their attacking prowess and Qarabag ‘s defensive vulnerabilities.