Feyenoord will entertain Bayer Leverkusen at De Kuip in their UEFA Champions League campaign opener on Thursday. The hosts are playing in the group stage of the competition for the second consecutive season while Leverkusen are back after playing in the Europa League last season, finishing as the runners-ups.
De Stadionclub have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their season, with three of their five games across all competitions ending in draws. They were held to a 2-2 away draw at Groningen in the Eredivisie last week as substitute Brynjólfur Willumsson scored twice late in the match to help Groningen come back from two goals down.
The defending Bundesliga champions resumed their league campaign after the international break with a 4-1 away win over Hoffenheim on Saturday. Martin Terrier opened his goalscoring account for the club while Victor Boniface bagged a brace.
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two sides have squared off twice, with both meetings taking place in the 1987–88 UEFA Cup third round. Leverkusen registered a 3-2 win on aggregate, including a 1-0 home win.
- The hosts have seen conclusive results in their last 12 games in the Champions League, recording just three wins while suffering nine losses.
- Leverkusen have also won just three of their last 12 games in the competition, and have failed to score in seven games in that period.
- Feyenoord have won three of their last four home games in the Champions League, scoring eight goals while conceding five times.
- Bayer Leverkusen have a 100% record in away games this season, scoring eight goals in three games.
- De Stadionclub are unbeaten in their last six home meetings against German teams in European competitions, recording four wins on the spin.
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction
De club aan de Maas have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their season, though three of their last four games have ended in draws. They have suffered three consecutive defeats in the Champions League group stage, scoring just twice while conceding six times.
Calvin Stengs is a confirmed absentee for the hosts while Quilindschy Hartman faces a late fitness test and is a doubt. Ayase Ueda was on the bench against Groningen and should start here.
Die Werkself lost 3-2 to RB Leipzig before the international break but bounced back well with a 4-1 away win on Saturday. They are unbeaten in competitive away games since May 2023 and are strong favorites.
Xabi Alonso has a clean bill of health for the trip to Rotterdam and is expected to field a strong starting XI. Jeremie Frimpong was on the bench against Hoffenheim and picked up an assist as a second-half substitute. He should start here.
Both teams have been in good touch this season and considering their goalscoring record, a high-scoring draw will likely ensue.
Prediction: Feyenoord 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Florian Wirtz to score or assist any time - Yes