FC Copenhagen return to the Champions League spotlight after a brief hiatus, and they do so with a mouthwatering home fixture against German powerhouses Bayer Leverkusen this Thursday night at the atmospheric Parken Stadium. For the Danish champions, this marks not only a re-entry into Europe’s elite competition but also a chance to reassert their continental credentials after a season spent in the less glamorous confines of the Europa Conference League. That campaign, while respectable in its own right, ended in disappointment at the hands of eventual winners Chelsea in the last 16, and it served as a reminder of the gulf in quality between Europe’s top tier and its third-string tournament. Now, back among the continent’s elite, Copenhagen face a daunting but exciting challenge, with Bayer Leverkusen the first of several high-profile opponents in a League Phase group that also includes Tottenham Hotspur, Napoli, and Barcelona. It’s a brutal draw, but one that offers the Danish side a chance to test themselves against some of the best and perhaps spring a surprise or two along the way.
Their journey to this stage has been anything but straightforward. Copenhagen were forced to navigate a rigorous qualifying campaign, dispatching Drita, Malmo FF, and Basel in successive rounds to earn their place at football’s top table. Each tie presented its own tactical and psychological hurdles, but Jacob Neestrup’s men showed resilience and maturity, particularly in their decisive victory over Basel, where they overcame adversity and injury setbacks to secure progression. That triumph, however, came at a cost. Influential midfielder Magnus Mattsson sustained a serious knee injury during the playoff fixture and is now expected to miss the remainder of the season—a significant blow to Neestrup’s tactical plans, given Mattsson’s ability to dictate tempo and link play between the lines. His absence will force Copenhagen to reshuffle their midfield, relying on less experienced players to fill the creative void.
Compounding their concerns is the recent domestic setback against arch-rivals Brondby, a 2–1 defeat that not only dented morale but exposed some worrying defensive frailties. The loss was particularly painful given the emotional weight of the rivalry and the timing—just days before the club’s return to the Champions League. Neestrup will need to rally his squad quickly, instilling belief and tactical discipline ahead of what promises to be a stern test against a Leverkusen side brimming with confidence and attacking firepower. Copenhagen’s recent record against German opposition offers little comfort; they have lost each of their last eight home matches against Bundesliga clubs in European competition, a streak that underscores the challenge they face and the need for a tactical rethink.
Leverkusen, by contrast, arrive in Denmark riding a wave of optimism. The club has undergone a managerial transition, with Kasper Hjulmand replacing Erik ten Hag in the dugout, and the early signs are promising. Hjulmand, a Dane himself, made an immediate impact in his debut match, guiding Die Werkself to a 3–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in a pulsating Bundesliga encounter that featured four goals, two red cards, and a penalty. It was a chaotic but ultimately successful start to his tenure, and while Hjulmand will be seeking greater structure and control in Copenhagen, the attacking intent and tactical flexibility displayed in that match bode well for the challenges ahead. His familiarity with Danish football—having previously managed the national team—adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, as he returns to his homeland with a point to prove and a squad capable of making serious waves in Europe.
Leverkusen’s recent European pedigree is impressive. They reached the Europa League final in 2024, showcasing their ability to compete deep into knockout rounds, and followed that up with a strong Champions League campaign last season. During the League Phase, they recorded eye-catching victories over both Milan clubs, netted four times against Feyenoord Rotterdam, and put five past Red Bull Salzburg. Their only setbacks came against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, two of Europe’s most tactically disciplined sides, and even in those matches, Leverkusen showed flashes of brilliance and resilience. This season, their group includes Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Newcastle United—fixtures that promise drama and tactical intrigue—but for now, their focus is squarely on Copenhagen, where they will look to start their campaign with authority and precision.
In terms of personnel, Leverkusen have suffered a significant setback with the loss of Exequiel Palacios, who sustained a serious adductor injury during the win over Frankfurt and has since undergone surgery. The Argentine midfielder is expected to miss the rest of the season, depriving Hjulmand of a key figure in the engine room. Palacios’ absence will likely see Spaniard Aleix Garcia step into a deeper role, tasked with orchestrating play and providing defensive cover. Garcia’s composure and passing range make him a suitable replacement, though he lacks Palacios’ physicality and ball-winning prowess. Up front, Patrik Schick is expected to lead the line, having already scored three goals this season. The Czech striker offers a blend of aerial threat, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, and he will be a constant menace for Copenhagen’s backline, particularly in transition and set-piece situations.
Copenhagen, meanwhile, must contend with a depleted squad. In addition to Mattsson, youngster Oliver Hojer remains sidelined following surgery, while Jonathan Moalem is still nursing a hip injury. These absences limit Neestrup’s options, particularly in midfield and wide areas, and place greater responsibility on the likes of Rasmus Falk, Lukas Lerager, and Diogo Gonçalves to step up and deliver. Falk, in particular, will be crucial, his experience and tactical intelligence providing a stabilizing presence in the middle of the park. Lerager’s box-to-box energy and Gonçalves’ flair on the flanks will be needed to stretch Leverkusen’s defensive shape and create openings. Defensively, Copenhagen will rely on the leadership of Denis Vavro and the agility of goalkeeper Kamil Grabara, both of whom must be at their best to repel Leverkusen’s multifaceted attack.
Tactically, the match presents a fascinating contrast. Copenhagen are likely to adopt a compact 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, seeking to frustrate Leverkusen’s buildup and hit on the counter. Neestrup will emphasize defensive discipline, particularly in the half-spaces where Leverkusen’s attacking midfielders thrive. Expect Copenhagen to press selectively, targeting moments of vulnerability in Leverkusen’s transitions, and to rely heavily on set pieces as a potential route to goal. Their physicality and aerial strength could pose problems for a Leverkusen side that occasionally struggles to defend crosses and second balls.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and dictate tempo through their midfield trio. Hjulmand’s tactical philosophy emphasizes verticality and quick ball circulation, and he will expect his players to exploit Copenhagen’s defensive lines with incisive passing and intelligent movement. The wide areas will be key, with Jeremie Frimpong and Mitchel Bakker likely to provide width and overlapping runs, while Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli operate between the lines. Schick’s presence in the box will demand constant attention, and his ability to link play and create space for runners could be decisive. Defensively, Leverkusen must remain vigilant, particularly against Copenhagen’s counterattacks and set pieces, where the Danish side have historically excelled.
As the Champions League anthem reverberates through Parken Stadium and the players take their positions, the sense of occasion will be palpable. For Copenhagen, it is a return to the grand stage, a chance to showcase their growth and ambition against one of Europe’s most dynamic sides. For Leverkusen, it is the beginning of a new chapter under Hjulmand, a test of their tactical evolution and squad depth. The match promises intensity, tactical nuance, and moments of individual brilliance, and whether it ends in triumph or frustration, it will set the tone for both clubs’ European journeys. With history, form, and ambition converging under the floodlights in Copenhagen, Thursday night’s clash could be the spark that ignites a memorable campaign for one—and a sobering reality check for the other.
