Introduction

Bayer Leverkusen is gearing up for a monumental clash against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. The match takes place at BayArena on Tuesday, but the hosts have a steep hill to climb after a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Bavarians in the first leg on March 5.

First Leg Recap

In that match, Leverkusen fell victim to their own mistakes, conceding a decisive goal following a crucial error by goalkeeper Matej Kovar who mishandled a harmless cross, allowing Jamal Musiala to score. To make matters worse, defender Nordi Mukiele was sent off shortly thereafter, leaving the home side with ten men and virtually no chance of staging a comeback.

Historical Context

With only three teams in Champions League history having ever overturned a first-leg 3-0 deficit, Leverkusen's path to the quarter-finals seems exceptionally daunting. Xabi Alonso's men are also struggling domestically, sitting eight points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga after their unexpected 2-0 defeat against Werder Bremen this past weekend — a result that snapped an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak at home for Leverkusen.

Home Advantage?

Despite their recent struggles, when playing at BayArena in the Champions League, Leverkusen has won their last four matches without conceding. They will need to channel that formidable home support and turn it into performance if they hope to keep their European dreams alive.

Bayern's Current Form

On the other end of the pitch, Bayern Munich comes into this match with mixed feelings after a 3-2 loss to VfL Bochum, despite initially holding a two-goal lead. However, Coach Vincent Kompany's side has been prolific in attack, scoring three or more goals in six out of their last ten matches. Indeed, the reigning Bundesliga champions have found the net 26 times already in their Champions League campaign this season.

Injuries and Suspensions

Safety concerns loom for Leverkusen as they will be without Mukiele due to his suspension and Jeanuel Belocian is out for the season. A defensive trio featuring Mario Hermoso, Piero Hincapie, and Jonathan Tah may be utilized. Midfield options seem slim if Robert Andrich fails to recover from illness, which could lead to Exequiel Palacios stepping in alongside Granit Xhaka, while star forward Florian Wirtz remains sidelined until April.

Bayern will also be missing key players with Manuel Neuer still nursing a calf injury. Jonas Urbig is expected to take the goalkeeping duties while the experienced Leon Goretzka partners with Joshua Kimmich in midfield. Harry Kane, who has been in stellar form, will lead the forward line with support from the likes of Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala.

Predicted Line-ups

Bayer Leverkusen: Kovar; Hincapie, Tah, Hermoso; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Tella, Adli; Boniface

Bayern Munich: Urbig; Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim; Guerreiro, Goretzka, Kimmich; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane

Final Prediction

Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern Munich (Bayern wins 4-1 on aggregate)