Bayer Leverkusen vs Qarabag prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-03-13 20:00.
[p]Bayer Leverkusen suffered an almighty scare during the first leg of their UEFA Europa League (UEL) last 16 meeting with Qarabağ a week ago, finding themselves 2-0 down at the break before eventually snatching a 92nd minute equaliser to bring the tie back level. That kept alive their run of being the only side in Europe’s traditional top-five leagues this season not to lose a competitive match, a run that was further extended with a routine 2-0 victory over ten-man Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga at the weekend.[/p]
[p]Attention now swiftly turns back to European competition though, as Leverkusen look to go one better than last season and reach the final of the UEL this time around. A return to BayArena could aid that push in particular, as they’ve won each of their last four matches across all competitions here, whilst their three home UEL group stage matches this term all ended in victories, with Xabi Alonso’s side netting at least four times in each, including a 5-1 H2H trouncing. [/p]
[p]That likely means that this second leg will prove to be an uphill battle to say the least for the Azerbaijani champions, who themselves picked up a 3-1 domestic win over the weekend. That victory will have further boosted morale ahead of their long trip west, and although Qarabağ ended up letting a two-goal lead slide in the first leg, they’ll be confident of causing a huge upset here based on their first-half performance.[/p]
[p]That said, the away side’s prior visits to face German sides in European competition haven’t ended well, losing all four of their such matches by an aggregate scoreline of 13-3. More goals are likely to follow here too, as alongside Sparta Prague, Qarabağ are the only side in this season’s competition to both score and concede 15+ goals! [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz has been on fire in this competition this season, recording seven direct goal contributions (G3, A4) across his five such matches. Qarabağ could look to Yassine Benzia for inspiration as he netted the opener in the first leg, whilst his four away goals this season have come after half time. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Leverkusen have won eight or more corners in four of their last five home matches across all competitions. [/p]