Next round in the German top German game: FC Bayern and Bayer Leverkusen meet in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Who prevails? Stefan Effenberg analyzes both teams – and hits a prediction.
Bayern Munich against Bayer Leverkusen, part four: When the German record champion and the current double winner meet on Wednesday evening (from 9 p.m. in the live ticker at T-Online) in the round of 16 of the Champions League, the two best German teams will play against each other for the fourth time.
The three previous meetings were changeable: In the 1-1 round in the Bundesliga second round as well as the 0: 1 in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup, Bayern were superior, but could not prevail in the end. And a few weeks ago in the Bundesliga return a few weeks ago, the other way around: Bayer pressed, the Munich residents saved the tie.
“I just can’t commit myself to a favorite,” says T-online columnist Stefan Effenberg. “This is a real 50/50 duel, so the balance of power between the two best German teams is balanced-and this duel is not already decided in the first leg.”
The team of Bayern coach Vincent Kompany and the eleven of Leverkusen’s success coach Xabi Alonso are equal. “With Manuel Neuer and Lukas Hradecky there are two outstanding goalkeepers,” explains Effenberg, “the defensive rows are also heavily occupied, in midfield a lot depends on Joshua Kimmich – should he be able to play – at Bayern and Granit Xhaka near Leverkusen.” The same picture on the offensive: “On the outside, both teams can go enormous pace, constantly seek one-on-one situations-the Bavaria with Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman or Alphonso Davies, Leverkusen with Alex Grimaldo or Jeremie Frimpong.”
Even with the two highly acclaimed young playmakers, the 56-year-old makes no advantage for a club: “Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz can always make up the difference.” Bavaria’s Juwel Musiala has been reached 28 (15 goals, 13 templates, 13 templates) in 34 competitive games in 2024/25 to 23 goal participations (16 goals, 7 templates). A similar picture in the attack: “The striker Harry Kane (29 goals in 33 competitive games) and Patrik Schick (32 missions, 22 goals) don’t take much either.”
“This duel is so balanced – it will actually depend on the form of the day, perhaps also a little happiness that ultimately makes the rash,” Effenberg is convinced. Even more: “And maybe there is another moment that nobody could predict – a dismissal, a mistake. Both teams now know themselves too well.”