Bayer Leverkusen has the best chance of moving directly into the round of 16 of the lucrative Champions League. You take care of the necessary staff intensively.
Wednesday evening (29.01.2025) will be exciting – no question. In 18 games running in parallel, the final placements of the 36 participating teams will be played in the premier class on the last matchday of the preliminary round. It is about either getting under the first eight, that would mean a direct qualification for the KO duelle from the round of 16.
If you can’t do this, you would like to get at least one place in the top 24-this would be synonymous by moving into a play-off round, through which the round of 16 could also be reached. Everything is less beautiful in 24th place: Then you left the Champions League for this season.
Direct entry into the round of 16
Bayer Leverkusenat the moment in eighth place, has the very best view of the optimal result: If the factory club on Wednesday defeat Sparta Prague significantly – what is generally expected – the important placement should be kept. Aston Villa lurks behind the Werkelf in nine. With a high victory of the English, things get dangerous – Leverkusen only has a better hit ratio with a goal.
In the event of a progress, the reigning German champion would continue to be present in all three important competitions: Champions League, Bundesliga-Titel race and DFB Cup, where next week you will meet 1. FC Köln in the quarterfinals next week (05.02.2025).
Three competitions, the highest stress
The next few weeks will be intensively stressful for the players. You will need everyone. However, coach Xabi Alonso recently lost two players. Jeanuel Belocian (cruciate ligament rupture) and Martin Terrier (Achilles tendon tear) have seriously injured and will be a long time. In addition, striker Victor Boniface will be courted by the Saudi Arabian Club Al Nassr.
Negotiations on Boniface, striker against Prague not in the squad
Trainer Xabi Alonso confirmed the transfer rumors about the Nigerian striker on Tuesday: “Yes, there is this situation. Talks are held with the club. We have to wait.” The attacker was missing in the final training for the Prague game.
“We are preparing ourselves without Boniface,” said the Bayer coach. However, the transfer of the contractor in Leverkusen, which is under 2028 in Leverkusen, would have to bring a higher double-digit million revenue after the German champion was presented.
Alonso emphasized that even without replacement for the 24-year-old he could live well with the situation. “I am very satisfied with the squad and quality,” said the trainer, but also confirmed the interest in the Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa for the offensive midfield and Mario Hermoso (as Rome) for defense. “There are talks with the clubs,” said the coach.
Hermoso comes from Rome, Buendía from Birmingham
According to “Corriere Dello Sport”, Bayer already agreed with the player Hermoso on a loan contract until June. There, the previous team mate of Mats Hummels should act as a replacement for the injured Jeanuel Belocian.
Apparently the club has also found what they were looking for in England. According to “Sky”, Emiliano Buendía’s commitment is only a matter of form, an agreement with Aston Villa was therefore achieved. After the medical check, everything was ready for a loan until the end of the season, which would be supplemented by a purchase option. Buendía can be used flexibly on the offensive and played almost every position in his career, most often than right wing.
Focus on the game against Prague
Regardless of the possible transfers, the win of the three points is against Prague. After the last two playful tours in the 1-2 in Madrid and the 2-2 in Leipzig, the German champion also has to win his fourth home game in the league trap in order to achieve the objective.
So far, the Alonso had been harmless in front of his own audience in the premier class: 1-0 against AC Milan, 5-0 against RB Salzburg and 1-0 against Inter Milan. The starting situation is good, but also harbors dangers. A high victory would help defend the direct Eachtelfinalplatz in comparison with the chasing with the same chasing with 13 points.
Aston villa in the neck
The most stubborn competitor should be pursuer Aston Villa with a goal difference of a hit. The English have a home game against Celtic Glasgow. But Bayer can also squint up. If Atalanta Bergamo does not win in Barcelona, Leverkusen would also pass the Italians even when they win.
