Leverkusen Vs Milan

After contrasting results in their initial fixtures of the league phase, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan are set to face off at the BayArena on Tuesday evening, each vying for three vital points in the UEFA Champions League.

A Historic Encounter

This match marks the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs in European competitions. Bayer Leverkusen comes into this encounter riding high after a convincing victory in their opening match, while AC Milan suffered a disappointing defeat at home.

Match Preview

Bayer Leverkusen's attacker Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring during the match against Wolfsburg on September 22, 2024.

Following a record-breaking season, Bayer Leverkusen had significant expectations as they made their return to the Champions League. Their impressive 4-0 victory away to Feyenoord in their opening matchday showcases their potential to make a substantial impact this season. Notably, Florian Wirtz made history by becoming the first German player to score twice in his Champions League debut, leading Leverkusen to their largest away victory in the competition’s history.

With this stylish start, Die Werkself now have the chance to win their first two matches in the Champions League for the first time since 2001, a season in which they ultimately lost to Real Madrid in the final.

Leverkusen enters Tuesday's clash unbeaten in their last nine home matches in UEFA competitions, a record they aim to extend. They have never previously achieved ten consecutive matches without defeat in Europe and enjoyed considerable success at home during their journey to last season’s Europa League final, winning five of their six home fixtures.

In total, Leverkusen has lost only two of their last 21 continental contests, both against Italian teams: Roma and Atalanta BC, who eliminated them in the previous season.

Since their commanding win at De Kuip, the Bundesliga side has navigated a thrilling encounter with Wolfsburg, clinching a 4-3 victory in dramatic fashion, before battling to a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich, halting the Bavarians' perfect start to the season.

However, Leverkusen's defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, as they have conceded ten goals in their first five league games. Head coach Xabi Alonso, who famously scored Liverpool's third goal in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan, will be eager to shore up his defense ahead of this crucial match.

AC Milan's Journey

Theo Hernandez of AC Milan celebrates with Alvaro Morata after their recent win on September 27, 2024.

AC Milan, for their part, is no stranger to high-stakes matches. The Rossoneri found themselves facing Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League final, securing a memorable victory. However, their recent performance against Premier League teams has been troubling, particularly in their opening match of this Champions League campaign, where they were outplayed, conceding 11 shots on target—a joint-high in their Champions League history—resulting in a 3-1 loss.

Milan's record in elite European competitions has been lackluster; they have secured only nine victories in their last 32 matches at this level, despite reaching the semi-finals in 2023. Their away form has also been concerning, with last year's win at Newcastle marking just their fourth victory in 17 away matches in the competition.

Nonetheless, the Rossoneri have shown signs of resurgence with back-to-back league wins in less than a week, rejuvenating a squad that appeared to be struggling under new head coach Paulo Fonseca, who faced speculation about his job security shortly after taking charge.

Milan broke a six-match derby losing streak against their arch-rivals Inter Milan, thanks to a heroic late header from Matteo Gabbia, securing a long-awaited 2-1 victory. Following this triumph, Fonseca's side continued their winning momentum, easily overcoming Lecce with a 3-0 victory at home. First-half goals from Alvaro Morata, Theo Hernandez, and Christian Pulisic helped propel them to second place in Serie A.

As the seven-time European champions prepare to face Leverkusen, they harbor aspirations of pulling off an upset against Xabi Alonso's well-oiled machine, aiming to win their first away game in the Champions League for only the second time in eight campaigns.

Head-to-Head Statistics

While this encounter holds significance for both clubs, the statistical backdrop highlights Leverkusen's dominance in recent European outings. The German side's recent form and attacking prowess, showcased by Wirtz's record-breaking debut, set the stage for an exciting clash.

On the other hand, Milan's struggle to adapt to the elite level under Fonseca raises questions about their readiness to face a confident Leverkusen side. Their defensive frailties and reliance on individual brilliance may be tested against a well-organized and resilient opponent.

What’s at Stake?

The stakes are high for both teams as they look to establish themselves in the Champions League. For Leverkusen, a victory would not only solidify their position at the top of the group but also serve as a significant boost in their quest to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in eight years.

Meanwhile, AC Milan desperately needs a positive result to rejuvenate their campaign after a rocky start. A win would not only restore confidence but also signal their intent to contend at the highest level despite recent struggles.

Conclusion

As Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan prepare to lock horns at the BayArena, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Both teams are eager to secure three vital points in their Champions League campaigns, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling and pivotal match. With Leverkusen's potent attack and Milan's determination to rebound from recent setbacks, fans can anticipate an unforgettable encounter filled with intensity and drama.