Bayer Leverkusen vs. Sparta Prague | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match

With automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 at stake for Bayer Leverkusen, they will be desperate to secure a victory over visitors Sparta Prague on Wednesday at BayArena. A win would not only cement their place in the knockout stages but also provide much-needed momentum as they navigate a critical phase of their season.

Leverkusen currently occupy eighth place, which is the final automatic qualification spot, with 13 points. However, their 2-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid on January 21 has left them in a precarious position, as they now find themselves level on points with the five teams directly below them. While they have already secured a place in the round of 16 playoffs, Alonso’s men will not want to leave their fate in the hands of other results. Meanwhile, Sparta Prague, positioned 29th with only four points, have already been eliminated from the tournament and have little more than pride to play for in their final group-stage fixture.

The German side may feel they have put themselves under unnecessary pressure, given the circumstances of their defeat to Atletico Madrid. Despite enjoying a numerical advantage from the 23rd minute and taking the lead shortly after halftime, they inexplicably let the game slip from their grasp, conceding twice in quick succession. The result brought an end to their 11-match winning streak and reminded them of the unforgiving nature of European football.

Although they failed to secure a win in their most recent Bundesliga fixture—a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig—their overall form has been impressive. In that match, they squandered a two-goal lead despite conceding only 0.73 xG, a sign of defensive lapses rather than sustained opposition pressure. This result saw them fall six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich, though they still maintain a comfortable five-point gap over third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite recent setbacks, Leverkusen’s attacking prowess remains undeniable. They have scored 17 goals in their last seven outings across all competitions, demonstrating their ability to break down stubborn defenses. Before their loss to Atletico, they had netted six times in their previous two Champions League fixtures, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable offensive unit.

Furthermore, their home form has been nothing short of exceptional. They remain unbeaten in their last 13 competitive matches at the BayArena, winning 11 of those encounters. Particularly in Europe, their recent performances at home have been dominant, with seven consecutive victories showcasing their ability to turn their stadium into a fortress.

For opponents Sparta Prague, this fixture represents an opportunity to salvage some pride before bowing out of the competition. Their campaign began promisingly with a 3-0 triumph over Red Bull Salzburg on September 18, followed by a respectable 1-1 draw against Stuttgart on October 1. However, their fortunes took a sharp downturn, as they have suffered five consecutive defeats in the Champions League since then. Their defensive struggles have been particularly alarming, with Sparta conceding four or more goals in three of those losses.

Away from home, the Czech side’s struggles have been even more pronounced. They have lost their last two Champions League away matches by a combined score of 9-2, exposing their vulnerabilities against top-tier opposition. Given their current standing in the Czech Liga—third place with 37 points, trailing leaders Slavia Prague by a significant 13-point margin—their focus will likely shift toward domestic ambitions following this European outing.

Leverkusen’s squad selection for this crucial encounter will require some adjustments. Centre-back Piero Hincapie is unavailable after receiving a red card against Atletico Madrid, while defender Jeanuel Belocian has been ruled out until September due to injury. As a result, Alonso may opt for a back four comprising Alejandro Grimaldo, Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, and Nordi Mukiele to solidify the defensive line.

In attack, the absences of forwards Amine Adli and Martin Terrier will necessitate tactical tweaks. This could see Patrik Schick leading the line, supported by a dynamic trio of Nathan Tella, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong. In midfield, Granit Xhaka is expected to play a pivotal role, likely partnering with Exequiel Palacios, who also started against Atletico Madrid.

For the visitors, manager Lars Friis will have to navigate his own selection dilemmas. Wing-backs Angelo Preciado and Imanol Garcia de Albeniz are unavailable, with the latter not expected to return until next season. Consequently, Tomas Wiesner and Matej Rynes are the probable choices to operate on the flanks, supporting a three-man central defense composed of Martin Vitik, Filip Panak, and Asger Sorensen.

Given Sparta’s defensive frailties and Leverkusen’s attacking firepower, this fixture has the potential to be a one-sided affair. The German outfit will be expected to control possession, dictate the tempo, and carve out scoring opportunities against a Sparta side that has struggled to contain high-caliber opposition. Alonso’s primary concern will be ensuring his players maintain their defensive discipline while capitalizing on the chances they create in the final third.

Ultimately, the stakes could not be higher for Leverkusen. A victory would confirm their place in the last 16 and provide a psychological boost as they continue their domestic and European campaigns. Meanwhile, Sparta Prague will be hoping to end their Champions League journey on a high note, despite the significant challenge that awaits them at the BayArena.