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FC København backed to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in their UCL opener
Both sides come into this game with patchy form, so it could be a tight contest
Nathan Tella will look to provide the spark for the German side
Explore Bwin’s detailed preview for FC København vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Champions League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 17:45 BST match.
Fixture: FC København vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Kick-off: 17:45 BST
Venue: Parken
Match Prediction: FC København 2-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
FC København's recent form suggests they could pose a significant challenge to Bayer Leverkusen. With two wins and two draws in their last five matches, including a convincing 5-1 victory over Randers FC, København have shown both offensive prowess and defensive solidity.
Their ability to score multiple goals in several matches indicates they could exploit any defensive lapses from Leverkusen, who have been inconsistent, conceding three goals in their recent Bundesliga outing against Werder Bremen.
Leverkusen's form has been less convincing, with a win, a loss and a draw in their recent Bundesliga matches. Their 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen and a 1-2 loss to Hoffenheim highlight defensive vulnerabilities that København might target. However, Leverkusen's 4-0 win in the DFB Pokal shows they are capable of strong performances, suggesting they could still pose a threat if they manage to stabilise their defence.
FC København enter this match with strong momentum, having secured two wins and two draws in their last five games. Their recent 5-1 victory against Randers FC and a 2-0 win over Basel demonstrate their ability to dominate both domestically and in European competition. This form suggests they will approach the game with confidence, likely focusing on maintaining their offensive momentum while ensuring defensive stability.
Recent Results (all competitions):
Loss: 1-2 vs Brondby IF (A) - Superliga
Win: 5-1 vs Randers FC (A) - Superliga
Win: 2-0 vs Basel (H)
Draw: 1-1 vs Odense BK (H) - Superliga
Draw: 1-1 vs Basel (A)
Bayer Leverkusen's recent performances have been mixed, with two wins, a loss and a draw in their last five matches. Their 3-3 draw against Werder Bremen and a 1-2 loss to Hoffenheim indicate defensive issues that could be exploited by København. However, their 4-0 win in the DFB Pokal shows they are capable of strong performances, suggesting they need to focus on tightening their defence to compete effectively in this match.
Recent Results (all competitions):
Win: 3-1 vs Frankfurt (H) - Bundesliga
Draw: 3-3 vs Werder Bremen (A) - Bundesliga
Loss: 1-2 vs TSG Hoffenheim (H) - Bundesliga
Win: 4-0 vs Sonnenhof Großaspach (A) - DFB Pokal
Magnus Mattsson (Cruciate Ligament) - Out
Jonathan Moalem (Hip) - Doubt
Oliver Højer (Surgery) - Doubt
Oscar Buur (Unknown) - Doubt
Martin Terrier (Achilles) - Out
Jeanuël Belocian (Cruciate Ligament) - Out
Jonas Hoffman (Muscle) - Doubt
Predicted lineup: Kotarski, Huescas, Hatzidiakos, Pereira, López, Lerager, Clem, Larsson, Achouri, Moukoko, Elyounoussi
FC København's predicted lineup suggests a balanced approach, with key players like Elyounoussi and Larsson likely to drive the attack. Clem and Lerager will look to control the tempo of the match from midfield.
Predicted lineup: Flekken, Tape, Tapsoba, Quansah, Grimaldo, Andrich, García, Tella, Tillman, Kofane, Schick
Bayer Leverkusen's predicted lineup will likely focus on the need for defensive solidity. The performances of Jarell Quansah and Edmond Tapsoba could be crucial to their hopes.
Mohamed Elyounoussi vs Jarell Quansah: Elyounoussi's attacking flair will be tested by Quansah's defensive resilience.
Lukas Lerager vs Robert Andrich: Lerager's midfield control will be crucial against Andrich’s passing accuracy and determined tackling.
Gabriel Pereira (FC København): His defensive stability will be key to containing Leverkusen's attacks.
Christian Kofane (Bayer 04 Leverkusen): His goal-scoring ability could prove decisive in this match.
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