Leverkusen back in tile defence against Leipzig.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. RB Leipzig kicks off at 17:30 [GMT+1] on Saturday, August 31, at BayArena.

Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the second round of the DFB-Pokal following a midweek 1-0 win over FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Back in the Bundesliga, Xabi Alonso’s side kicked off their first-ever title defence with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on matchday one. Leverkusen made a strong start to the game, taking a two-goal lead in the first half with a powerful strike from Granit Xhaka [12’] and a finish by Florian Wirtz [38’]. Despite letting the lead slip, the late-goal specialists lived up to their reputation, as Wirtz completed his brace with a last-minute rebound [90+11’] to secure all three points for the defending champions. Currently in fourth place, Die Werkself are one of just seven teams to secure a win in the opening round. Leverkusen will welcome Leipzig in this weekend’s clash, aiming to claim maximum points as they look to extend their winning streak against the visitors, having won the last three meetings. Furthermore, Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten in 35 league games [29W, 6D, & 0L], a record only surpassed by HSV [36] and Bayern Munich [53]. They will aim to extend this impressive streak with a win this weekend. Alonso is expected to keep the familiar 3—4—2—1, with Victor Boniface in attack.

Like the hosts, Leipzig began their 2024-2025 campaign on a winning note after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bochum on matchday one. Barely three minutes after his introduction in the second half, new signing Antonio Nusa [59’] proved to be a valuable addition after bagging his debut goal. Leipzig fought hard to hold on to the lead, securing all three points, despite being reduced to ten men after captain Willi Orbán was sent off in the 85th minute. With the win, the Red Bulls are currently in seventh place, tied on point and goal difference with sixth-placed Hoffenheim. Leipzig are unbeaten in their last 12 Bundesliga games [8W, 4D, & 0L], their joint-longest such run to date under Marco Rose. The Red Bulls will be looking to continue with this impressive run when they make the trip to Leverkusen this weekend. However, Marco Rose’s men face an uphill battle against a formidable Leverkusen side that has won 14 of its 17 home league games. Loïs Openda and Benjamin Šeško are expected to start in attack when Rose lays out his 4—4—2. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls will be without Orbán following his red card against Bochum.