Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – League phase betting tips on match 2025-01-28 20:00.
[p]After suffering just one defeat across their opening six UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase outings this season (W4, D1), it looked like Bayer Leverkusen were destined for a top eight finish and direct progression to the last 16. Instead, a damaging 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid last time out means that they now begin this final round of fixtures sat precariously in eighth spot and on the same number of points as multiple sides just behind them on goal difference. [/p]
[p]Their superior goal difference tally could be crucial come the end of play here, and having won each of their three home UCL games without conceding a goal this campaign, Leverkusen look good value to build on it as they seek to leave nothing to chance. There’s also the added bonus for Leverkusen that after beating Inter Milan at BayArena on matchday six, they’re unbeaten in their last 12 home major European matches (W9, D3) – their best ever such run![/p]
[p]What could also aid the home side’s qualification chances is the fact that Sparta Prague make the short journey west having already been knocked out of the league phase this season. After winning their opening league phase fixture 3-0 against Salzburg back in September, their supporters would have been dreaming of progression, but a current run of five consecutive defeats has knocked them out.[/p]
[p]The visitors will mostly be merely playing for pride then, whilst also trying to make a little bit of club history in the process. A victory here would see Sparta beat German opposition away in European competition for the first time since the 1992/93 season (D4, L2), whilst a three-point haul would also end their 15-match winless away UCL run (D3, L12 – exc. qualifiers) which stretches back to December 2001![/p]
[p]Players to watch: Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick started his career at Sparta, and with 12 of his 17 goals this term coming at BayArena, looks a good bet to net against his former side here. The visitors will be looking to Lukáš Haraslin for a lead here, as four of his last five goals have served as match openers. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Sparta have faced 51 shots on target in the UCL league phase this season – the second-most in the competition.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]