Competition: UEFA Champions League - League Phase (Matchday 6) Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT / 9:00 PM CET (Check local time for accuracy) Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
Match Context: Fight for the Top 8
This fixture sees Bayer Leverkusen (currently 17th with 8 points) host Newcastle United (currently 11th with 9 points) in a crucial battle near the midway point of the Champions League League Phase table. With qualification to the top eight and automatic knockout berths at stake, three points are vital for both sides.
Bayer Leverkusen's Form: Leverkusen's form has been inconsistent domestically, but they have shown resilience in the Champions League, notably recording back-to-back clean-sheet victories, including an impressive 2-0 win away against Manchester City. However, they are coming off a 2-0 domestic defeat to Augsburg, which interrupted their scoring run. Their performances at the BayArena have been mixed, suggesting vulnerability despite their high-scoring potential.
Newcastle United's Form: Newcastle has also experienced fluctuating results, with a recent Premier League win over Burnley boosting morale. Their European form has been strong, though it suffered a setback with a 2-1 defeat at Marseille on Matchday 5. The Magpies have struggled with consistency on the road this season, having lost four of their last five away games across all competitions before a recent away win against Everton.
Historical Head-to-Head
The history between these two clubs is brief but notable, dating back to the 2002-03 UEFA Champions League season.
Date | Match | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 26, 2003 | Newcastle United vs. Bayer Leverkusen | 3 - 1 | UCL Second Group Stage |
Feb 18, 2003 | Bayer Leverkusen vs. Newcastle United | 1 - 3 | UCL Second Group Stage |
Record: Newcastle United leads the historical head-to-head with 2 wins to Leverkusen's 0.
Goal Average: The two previous meetings were high-scoring affairs, averaging 4.0 goals per match.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns heading into this decisive European fixture.
Bayer Leverkusen (Predicted 3-4-2-1) | Newcastle United (Predicted 4-3-3 or 3-4-2-1) |
|---|---|
Goalkeeper: Flekken | Goalkeeper: Ramsdale |
Defenders: Belocian, Bade, Quansah | Defenders: Livramento, Schar, Thiaw, Hall |
Midfielders: Arthur, Maza, Garcia, Poku | Midfielders: Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton |
Forwards: Tillman, Kofane, Schick | Forwards: Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon |
Injured/Doubtful: Palacios (Groin), Grimaldo (Doubtful), Blaswich (Muscular), Fernandez (Knee), Vazquez (Back). | Injured/Doubtful: Pope (Groin), Trippier (Hamstring), Botman (Back), Osula (Ankle). |
Key Stats & Narrative
Leverkusen's Efficiency: Leverkusen has compensated for a low shot volume in the UCL by being ruthlessly efficient, scoring 8 goals from just 16 shots on target.
Newcastle's Defense: Despite their injury issues, Newcastle has generally maintained a structured defense in the competition, conceding only four goals in their five group games.
Goal Threat: Newcastle's attacking duo of Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon have been pivotal, both scoring four times in the UCL this season. Leverkusen's Patrik Schick has scored in consecutive Champions League starts.
Road Woes: Newcastle's poor away form (losing four of five recent away games before a recent win) will be a significant concern for manager Eddie Howe coming to a challenging BayArena.
Prediction
This match is incredibly difficult to call given the fluctuating form of both sides. Leverkusen showed they can beat English opposition by defeating Man City, and they will look to capitalize on Newcastle's away struggles. However, Newcastle's ability to score quickly and effectively on the counter-attack, particularly through Gordon and Barnes, makes them a constant threat.
A narrow home victory or a high-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome.
Predicted Score: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Newcastle United
