Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs RB Leipzig

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 19/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Leverkusen versus Leipzig brings up a legendary match and a fierce Bundesliga rivalry. The unbeaten champion from 2024 will square off against the 2023 Cup winners in what seems to be the headline of the second Bundesliga round. The game will be played at BayArena on Saturday afternoon where the hosts will aim to continue their home invincibility run.

Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen picked up where they left off the previous term. Although failing to record a historic treble after losing the Europa League title to Atalanta a couple of months back was a disappointment, the hosts had their best season ever after winning the Bundesliga title and the German Cup. A new season with the same story appears to unravel as Leverkusen played an incredible Super Cup game against Stuttgart with the same script repeating on many occasions last term.

Although Xavi Alonso’s team was hit hard just before the halftime whistle when Martin Terrier was sent off, Leverkusen’s lucky charm extended this time. While Stuttgart scored in the second half in what appeared to be the decisive blow, Neverlusen confirmed their nickname by levelling up the score two minutes before the 90th-minute whistle, sending the game in extra time.

Despite the on-set fatigue accumulated already and facing another 30 minutes of playtime with a man down, Xabi Alonso’s team dramatically won the penalty shootout bringing the 3rd trophy to BayArena. Furthermore, The Black&Reds won their Bundesliga opener 3-2 in the extra time away at Gladbach, bringing back memories of that insane squad from the previous campaign.

However, the Spanish boss should worry about his players’ lack of precision against Monchengladbach. They had nine shots on goal and 25 opportunities to score but kept their fans’ heart rate elevated during the match. Also, an unconvincing first bid to defend the DBF Pokal following a narrow win against lower league side Jena (0-1) points to a lack of focus in the opposition’s box. Whille facing a more difficult task this time, the current champions need pinpoint precision in front of RB Leipzig if they wish to remain undefeated.

Team News

Leverkusen was busy in the transfer window acquiring three players: Jeanuel Belocian (19-year-old centre-back from Rennes for €15m), Martin Terrier (27-year-old left winger from Rennes for €20m), and Aleix Garcia (27-year-old midfielder from Girona for €18m).

Regarding noteworthy exits, Adam Hlozek, a 22-year-old striker from the Czech Republic who was acquired from Hoffenheim for €18 million, is the sole departure.

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig had a busy summer with a squad overhaul and a pre-season friendly tour against top sides. After defeating Aston Villa (2-0), the visitors suffered a shock defeat to Wolves (3-0) and ended their preparations with a draw against Ligue 1 powerhouse PSG (1-1). The intense games before the start of the campaign proved beneficial to players who hammered RW Essen in the Cup game (1-4).

However, the team that nearly went down last season, Bochum, presented a greater challenge for RB Leipzig’s Bundesliga debut. Marco Rose’s team must up their level to leave Bay Arena undefeated and improve their accuracy in the opposition’s box when despite a 59% possession and 12 chances to score, the full-time whistle returned a narrow win (1-0) against Bochum.

Yet, the past ten games predict another tight contest at BayArena. Leipzig has won three games, Bayer has won four (the previous three being won by Alonso’s team), and three games have ended in a draw. However, the most recent encounter returned a thrilling 2-3 victory (2024), with Leverkusen making then a title-winning statement. Tella, Tah, and Hincapie scored, while Leipzig reduced the deficit with strikes from Xavi Simons and Luis Openda in one of the most spectacular matches of the previous term.

Since both teams play offensive football we expect a deja vu scenario with many goals scored and another blockbuster unfolding in front of 30, 000 fans.

Team News

The Red  Bulls spent €41 million for custodian Maarten Vandevoordt (22, moved from Genk), youth midfielder Assan Ouedraogo (18, came from Schalke 04), and left winger Antonio Nusa (19, from Club Brugge). Regarding departures, Dani Olmo’s €55 million move to Barcelona is the summer’s biggest story after Mbappe arrives at Real Madrid.

Key factors to consider

• Bayer Leverkusen is undefeated in this season’s debut
• The hosts won the German Super Cup by defeating Stuttgart on penalties
• RB Leipzig lost their biggest asset after selling Dani Olmo to Barcelona
• The visitors scored five goals in the first two official games played this term

Conclusion

Bayer Leverkusen is tipped to continue their recent home invincibility run against RB Leipzig after re-confirming their champions status at their debut. With talisman Dani Olmo sold to Barcelona, we believe Xabi Alonso’s team will get three points against Marco Rose’s side.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 19/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet