Qarabag vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction: EUROPE: Europa League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-03-06 17:45.
What a season it’s been so far for Azerbaijani champions Qarabağ, who find themselves at the Round of 16 stage of the UEFA Europa League after sealing an impressive 6-5 aggregate win over Braga in the play-off round. Not only have the hosts become the first side from their country to ever reach this stage of any major European competition, but they also hold a 23-point lead at the top of their domestic league!
That should mean that all of their focus can be placed on this first leg against Bayer Leverkusen, as these two sides meet for the third time in this season’s tournament. Qarabağ were defeated both times in the group stage though, and their return of just one win across their last four home competitive home matches – conceding 3+ goals in three of those outings – could prove problematic in this meeting against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
After winning each of their six Europa League group stage matches, Leverkusen will make this long trip east full of confidence, especially as their German record unbeaten run was extended even further over the weekend. After defeating fierce rivals Cologne 2-0, Die Werkself made it 34 matches (W30, D4) undefeated across all competitions this campaign and extended their lead at the Bundesliga summit to a whopping ten points, bringing them ever-closer to a first title.
Leverkusen have been particularly strong on their travels of late, winning 13 of their last 14 competitive away games (D1), seven of which were accompanied by a clean sheet. Remarkably, ten of those matches have also seen the German side score 2+ goals too, a trend they’ll be keen to continue here in Baku as they look to take home a big advantage from this first leg.
Players to watch: Qarabag’s Juninho has struck 21 goals across all competitions this season, with each of his last three coming on or between the 55th and 65th minutes, including one in the UEL. Leverkusen’s Álex Grimaldo grabbed his 11th goal of the season at the weekend, two of which came in the UEL group stage in a brace against Qarabağ.
Hot stat: Qarabağ have received 25 yellow cards in this season’s UEL – the second-most of any side in the competition (excluding qualifiers).