Leverkusen vs Villarreal

The BayArena takes center stage tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as Bayer Leverkusen welcomes Villarreal for the final act of the Champions League league phase. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET / 15:00 ET).

For Bayer Leverkusen, the objective is clear: win and stay alive. Currently sitting in 20th place (9 points), Die Werkself needs a victory to guarantee a spot in the knockout-stage play-offs. Villarreal, conversely, arrives in Germany rooted to 35th place (1 point); with elimination already confirmed, the "Yellow Submarine" is playing strictly for pride and a chance to play spoiler.

Match Information

Bayer Leverkusen: Securing the Safety Net

Under manager Kasper Hjulmand, Leverkusen has endured a rocky European campaign. After a shock 2–0 loss to Olympiacos in Matchday 7, they’ve left themselves with work to do on the final day. A 1–0 weekend win over Werder Bremen has stabilized the ship, but the pressure of the BayArena faithful will be immense tonight.

Team News and Selection:

• Defensive Absences: Leverkusen remains without first-choice keeper Mark Flekken (cruciate ligament) and center-back Edmond Tapsoba (muscle). Janis Blaswich will continue between the sticks.

• Midfield/Attack Blows: Nathan Tella (foot) and Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle) are both sidelined.

• The Schick Factor: Patrik Schick is expected to return to the starting XI after beginning on the bench in Greece last week.

• The Grimaldo Threat: Alejandro Grimaldo has been their standout European performer, with 3 goals and 1 assist in the league phase so far.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Badé; Lucas Vázquez, E. Fernández, Aleix García, Grimaldo; Maza, Kofane; Schick.

Villarreal: Ending a Nightmare Campaign

It has been a Champions League season to forget for Marcelino’s men. Despite their strong domestic form in La Liga (where they sit in the top four), they have managed just one point in seven European matches. Tonight represents their last chance to avoid finishing the league phase winless.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Crisis: The visitors are decimated in defense. Juan Foyth (Achilles), Willy Kambwala (hamstring), Logan Costa (knee), and Pau Cabanes are all out.

• Suspension: Santiago Mouriño is unavailable after picking up his third yellow card of the competition.

• Attacking Hope: Tani Oluwaseyi has been a rare bright spot, scoring in two consecutive UCL rounds. He will lead the line alongside veteran Ayoze Pérez.

• Predicted XI (4-4-2): Tenas; Pau Navarro, Marín, Veiga, Cardona; Pépé, Comesaña, Partey, Moleiro; Ayoze Pérez, Oluwaseyi.

 Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• The Villarreal "Bogey": Historically, Villarreal has never lost to Bayer Leverkusen in major European competition (W3, D1).

• German Soil Struggles: Despite their H2H record, Villarreal has failed to win any of their last five European away games against German opposition (D3, L2).

• Second-Half Drama: Leverkusen has scored 7 of their 10 UCL goals this season after half-time. Conversely, Villarreal has conceded 10 of their 15 goals in the same window.

• Home Form: Leverkusen is winless in their last four European home games (D2, L2), a streak they must break tonight.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Leverkusen will look to exploit Villarreal’s makeshift backline by utilizing the overlapping runs of Grimaldo and Lucas Vázquez. Hjulmand’s system relies on high-intensity wing-play to stretch opponents, which should be effective against a Villarreal side that has struggled for defensive continuity all winter.

Villarreal will likely adopt a low block and look to hit on the break through the pace of Nicolas Pépé and Alberto Moleiro. However, with nothing to play for and a long injury list, the "Yellow Submarine" may lack the defensive grit required to keep a desperate Leverkusen side at bay for 90 minutes.

Final Score Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3–1 Villarreal