Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Porto prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Group Stage betting tips on match 2022-10-11 19:00.
The Xabi Alonso era got off to the perfect start for Bayer Leverkusen, who thumped Schalke 4-0 on Saturday and looked irresistible in the process. The Spaniard described it as a âcomplete performanceâ, but now the two-time UEFA Champions League (UCL) winner is tasked with getting Die Werkself through to the knockout stages for the first time since 2016/17.
Leverkusenâs loss to Porto in their last UCL outing spelled the end for ex-manager Gerardo Seoane, and left three teams locked together on three points in an ultra-competitive Group B behind surprise runaway leaders Club Brugge. A return to the BayArena might well play into Leverkusen hands, as they beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 here on matchday two and won the only previous H2H with their Portuguese opponents at this ground.
Porto will provide stern opposition however, after returning from the international break in red-hot form, winning all three of their games whilst conceding just one goal in the process. SĂ©rgio Conceiçãoâs men now travel to Leverkusen in a quest to avoid exiting the UCL at the group stage for a second consecutive season, with the manager stating that âthere is no magic wand, there is workâ after last Tuesdayâs victory over Leverkusen.
The Portuguese champions might need to cast a spell on their travelling form in this competition though, as theyâve won just one of their last six UCL road trips (D2, L3). Visiting Germany hasnât been a positive experience for Porto of late either, as theyâve not won a match in the country since triumphing over Hamburg in 2006 (D1, L3), so this could be a tough eveningâs work for the Dragons.
Players to watch: If Moussa Diaby can find the net then there could be more goals as Leverkusen have netted at least twice in each of his last 14 goalscoring appearances. Porto left-back Wendell will look to stop him, and has been on the winning side in all five of his starting appearances this season. Heâs returning to the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club he made 250 appearances for.
Hot stat: Neither side has scored a UCL goal before half-time this season.