Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Kickoff Time: 2026-3-12 1:45 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff
Bayer Leverkusen drew 3-3 away to Freiburg in the Bundesliga last weekend, managing just 1 win, 3 draws, and 1 loss in their last five matches, indicating average form. The team’s style centers on high pressing, with rapid transitions being their key weapon. However, Leverkusen is vulnerable to quick counter-attacks, as defensive errors are frequent. Additionally, their aerial duels represent a significant weakness. Moreover, the squad is hit hard by injuries, with as many as 7 key players sidelined. This list includes core players from the front line to the backline, such as Patrik Schick, Loïc Badé, Arthur Augusto, and goalkeeper Mark Flekken. This situation severely impacts both their attacking and defensive performances and weakens the depth of their squad.
On the other hand, Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory away against Mansfield in the FA Cup last weekend, extending their unbeaten run to 9 wins and 2 draws in their last 11 matches. Despite competing on multiple fronts, the Gunners continue to demonstrate strong competitiveness, reflecting their superior quality. Arsenal’s style is possession-based, and their flanks are particularly incisive. The wing play of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli is a major strength. Furthermore, their efficient counter-attacks and set-piece tactics are crucial scoring methods. Notably, Arsenal has won all four of their Champions League away games this season, highlighting their strong away form.
Although Bayer Leverkusen has the home advantage, the severe injury crisis is their biggest obstacle—especially the absence of the starting goalkeeper and attacking cores, which greatly limits their performance on both ends of the pitch. In contrast, Arsenal clearly possess superior overall quality, are in excellent form, and boast a formidable away record. Given this see-saw battle, it is wise to favor Arsenal to strike first in this match.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Last 5 Games: DWDDL
26-03-07 Freiburg 3-3 Bayer Leverkusen
26-03-05 Hamburg 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen
26-02-28 Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Mainz
26-02-25 Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Olympiacos
26-02-21 Union Berlin 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Arsenal‘s Last 5 Games: WWWWD
26-03-07 Mansfield 1-2 Arsenal
26-03-05 Brighton 0-1 Arsenal
26-03-02 Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
26-02-23 Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal
26-02-19 Wolves 2-2 Arsenal
Head-To-Head Record
24-08-08 Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen
02-02-27 Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen
02-02-19 Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
Prediction: Arsenal win away