Sabasports Match Preview
Champions League: Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal
Kickoff Time: 2026-1-29 4:00 (HKT)
Bayer Leverkusen secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Werder Bremen at home last weekend in the Bundesliga, ending a three-match winless streak in all competitions. Leverkusen employs a 3-4-2-1 formation, emphasizing possession play and high pressing, with their pressing intensity ranking among the best in the Bundesliga. Their attacking strategy mainly relies on left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, who has contributed five goals this season, while striker Patrik Schick is a key focal point in their attack, having scored six goals. In midfield, Jonas Hofmann and Malik Tillman are responsible for connecting the attacking play, acting as a pivot in the team’s transitions between defense and offense.
Villarreal, on the other hand, suffered a 0-2 defeat at home to Real Madrid in La Liga last weekend, resulting in a miserable three-match losing streak across all competitions. It’s worth noting that Villarreal’s recent fluctuations in form are directly related to their depleted squad. Key center-backs Logan Costa and Willy Kambwala remain sidelined due to injury, heavily limiting rotation options in defense. Although the forward partnership of Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze is highly efficient, the lack of depth inevitably affects the team’s stamina under high pressing. Additionally, Villarreal’s performance in the Champions League has been dismal, recording just one draw and six losses after seven matches.
The disparity in Villarreal’s performance in La Liga and the Champions League is stark, and they are already eliminated from the latter. The remaining matches will feel like mere formalities for them. In contrast, Leverkusen still has hopes of qualification for the Champions League, giving them a clear edge in motivation. Furthermore, their recent form and performance in the Champions League have been superior to Villarreal’s. Overall, it seems wise to back Leverkusen to secure all three points, benefiting from their home advantage.
Bayer Leverkusen‘s Last 5 Games: WLLLW
26-01-24 Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Werder Bremen
26-01-21 Olympiacos 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
26-01-17 Hoffenheim 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen
26-01-11 Bayer Leverkusen 1-4 Stuttgart
25-12-21 RB Leipzig 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen
Villarreal‘s Last 5 Games: LLLWW
26-01-25 Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid
26-01-21 Villarreal 1-2 Ajax
26-01-18 Real Betis 2-0 Villarreal
26-01-10 Villarreal 3-1 Alavés
21-01-04 Elche 1-3 Villarreal
Head-To-Head Record
16-03-18 Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Villarreal
16-03-11 Villarreal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
11-03-18 Villarreal 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
11-03-11 Bayer Leverkusen 2-3 Villarreal
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen win