Feyenoord Va Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen is preparing to make a significant mark in this season’s Champions League following their remarkable achievements last year. Their campaign kicks off with a thrilling match against Dutch giants Feyenoord, set to take place on Thursday evening. As both teams prepare for their league-phase opener, the spotlight will be on De Kuip, where a raucous crowd is expected to create an electrifying atmosphere.

In 2023, Feyenoord secured their 16th Eredivisie title, marking another proud moment in their long history. However, last season ended in disappointment for the Rotterdam club as they were pipped to the title by their fierce rivals, PSV Eindhoven. Despite earning two more points than when they were champions the previous year, they had to settle for second place. PSV’s consistency in the title race left Feyenoord searching for consolation, which they found by winning the KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup).

Their title-winning coach, Arne Slot, was highly regarded for his work, but his departure to Premier League side Liverpool in the summer was a significant blow. Slot’s exit left a void that the club sought to fill by hiring Brian Priske, a Danish manager who previously led Sparta Prague. However, Priske’s reign at Feyenoord has started on shaky ground. With only one win from his first four league matches, the pressure is already mounting. His debut match saw Feyenoord claim the Johan Cruijff Shield in a thrilling penalty shootout against Ajax, but league form has been less forgiving. A recent slip-up at Groningen means Feyenoord now trail PSV by a daunting nine points after just a handful of games.

The Dutch club’s supporters are accustomed to ups and downs, and their patience is being tested early in Priske's tenure. Yet, their participation in the Champions League brings renewed optimism. Appearing in back-to-back Champions League seasons for the first time since 2002, Feyenoord’s European ambitions are clear. Despite their illustrious history, which includes winning the European Cup in 1970, the club has struggled to make an impact in recent decades. They have only featured in the Champions League twice over the past 22 years and are now aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the modern era of the competition.

Their European journey last season was bittersweet. Feyenoord finished third in their Champions League group, which included Atlético Madrid, Lazio, and Celtic, before dropping down to the Europa League. Unfortunately, they were knocked out by Roma in the playoff round, marking the third consecutive year they had been eliminated by the Italian club. Roma seems to have become Feyenoord's European nemesis, having also defeated them in the final of the inaugural Europa Conference League.

Feyenoord's success at home is a vital asset. De Kuip has become something of a fortress, with the team losing just once in their last 18 European fixtures at the stadium. This remarkable run includes 14 victories, and the passionate home crowd will be vital as they face the challenge of Bayer Leverkusen.

For Bayer Leverkusen, the 2023-24 season was a historic one, despite ending in heartbreak. The German club achieved unprecedented domestic success, securing their first-ever Bundesliga title and lifting the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). However, their hopes of capping the season with European silverware were dashed when they lost to Atalanta BC in the Europa League final. The defeat in Dublin was a tough pill to swallow for Leverkusen, who had been relentless throughout the campaign. They entered the final as favorites after a season filled with last-minute heroics and high-octane performances.

Under the guidance of former Spanish international Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen’s transformation has been remarkable. Alonso’s tactical acumen and leadership have earned him plaudits across Europe, and his team’s playing style has been a breath of fresh air. The 2023-24 season saw Leverkusen go on an extraordinary run, with just one defeat in 53 matches across all competitions, 43 of which ended in victory. Their dominance in the Bundesliga and cup competitions was complemented by a flawless Europa League group-stage campaign, where they finished first with maximum points. Leverkusen then battled past tough opponents like Roma and Sevilla to reach the final, where their only loss in Europe came against Atalanta.

Despite the final setback, the season solidified Leverkusen’s status as a European heavyweight. Their only previous major continental triumph came in 1988 when they won the UEFA Cup. Notably, that same year, they faced Feyenoord in the competition's third round and emerged victorious, marking the only competitive encounter between the two clubs to date.

As they enter this season's Champions League, Leverkusen is brimming with confidence. This is only their third appearance in the competition in the past eight years, but they are determined to make the most of it. Their last Champions League campaign, in 2022, saw them finish third in their group before transitioning to the Europa League, where they reached the semi-finals. Coincidentally, they were eliminated by Roma, a team that seems to haunt both Leverkusen and Feyenoord in Europe.

Leverkusen’s form on the road in European competitions is impressive. Since their 1-0 defeat to Roma at Stadio Olimpico last season, they have gone unbeaten in their last 11 European away matches, winning seven. Their recent slip-up in the Bundesliga against RB Leipzig notwithstanding, Leverkusen remains a force to be reckoned with. With players like Granit Xhaka leading by example and a wealth of talent across the pitch, they will be eager to make a fast start in the Champions League.

Both Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen come into this match with high expectations, and both clubs are aiming to advance to the Champions League knockout stages. For Feyenoord, progressing beyond the group stage would mark a significant achievement and demonstrate their growth as a European competitor. They have built a strong team over the past few years, but competing with the continent's elite has remained a challenge.

Feyenoord's squad boasts a mix of experienced players and young talents who have come through their esteemed youth academy. However, with the departure of Arne Slot, the team is still finding its rhythm under Brian Priske. The Danish coach has had to integrate new signings and manage a squad that is still adjusting to his tactical philosophy. The pressure will be on Priske to secure positive results in Europe, especially with domestic success seeming out of reach after their slow start to the Eredivisie campaign.

For Bayer Leverkusen, this season represents an opportunity to build on their domestic success and take the next step in Europe. Xabi Alonso’s side has already shed the club’s old reputation of being nearly men, often referred to as "Never-kusen" due to their near misses in the past. The club’s newfound confidence and winning mentality have transformed them into genuine contenders for European glory.

Leverkusen has set its sights on reaching the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2017. With the final set to take place in Munich, there is an extra incentive for the German champions to make it all the way to the showpiece event. The squad is filled with players capable of making a difference on the big stage, and their attacking style of play has won admirers across the continent.

The group stage will be a test of their resolve, with tough opponents awaiting them. But with their experience from last season’s Europa League campaign and a desire to make amends for their final defeat, Leverkusen is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.

Thursday’s clash between Feyenoord and Bayer Leverkusen promises to be a fascinating encounter. Both teams have a point to prove, and both have the ambition to go far in this season’s Champions League. The atmosphere at De Kuip will undoubtedly play a role, as Feyenoord’s passionate supporters look to inspire their team to victory. However, Bayer Leverkusen’s recent European form suggests they will not be easily intimidated.

For Feyenoord, a positive result at home could set the tone for a successful campaign, while Leverkusen will be looking to hit the ground running as they embark on another European adventure. With both clubs aiming for the knockout stages, this match is just the beginning of what could be a memorable journey for one—or both—of these European giants