Two powerful German clubs are set for the most intense chapter of their recent rivalry as Bayern Munich host Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchup.
Bayer Leverkusen’s rapid rise into a European power over the past few seasons has paved the way for a number of heated battles between these two sides.
While Bayern have historically considered Der Klassiker opponents Borussia Dortmund as their most potent rival, this contest has produced a few intense affairs, which points to another potential thriller here.
Adding even more spice is the knowledge that the two clubs are also in the hunt for the Bundesliga title. Leverkusen’s recent propensity for drawing matches they should win has left them eight points adrift, but the chase isn’t quite over yet with 11 matches still to play.
MORE: A complete guide to betting on soccer in the United States
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen prediction, odds
Sporting News football betting expert Kyle Bonn shares his best bets, props, and longshot fliers for some of the biggest matches in the sport each week. Since the start of 2024, he has correctly predicted 54.8% of 398 match outcomes via his 3-way moneyline leans for a total profit of 32.3 units.
- Moneyline lean: Bayer Leverkusen (+310 on DraftKings)
- Score prediction: Bayern Munich 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen
- Best bet: Bayer Leverkusen double chance -105
Whatever Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has cooked up as a formula for beating Bayern Munich, it’s working like a charm. Die Werkself have taken points off their Bavarian rivals in six straight matches, and the run of play in those games has lent credence to that period of success.
Take the last meeting, for example, just two weeks ago, when only finishing let Leverkusen down in a scoreless draw at home. Alonso’s side pummeled Bayern all 90 minutes, out-shooting the Bundesliga leaders 15-2 and deserving at least a goal if not more. Even their last match at Allianz Arena went the way of Bayer 04, as Manuel Neuer’s brainless early red card led to a 1-0 road win.
Meanwhile, Bayern were troubled in both playoff legs by Celtic, who had been routinely humbled in European play over the last few years until that moment.
However you slice it, the visitors are sure to be up for this match — and you can never count out that late Bayer Leverkusen magic, even if it’s not as consistent as the memorable run last campaign. Over 3/1 moneyline odds are almost too good to pass up, and the double chance at even money feels like a steal.
| DraftKings (USA) |
|
| Bayern Munich win | -125 |
| Draw | +285 |
| Bayer Leverkusen win | +310 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -235 N: +175 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: -165 U: +110 |
| Bayern Munich to advance |
-195 |
| Bayer Leverkusen to advance |
+145 |
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen match facts
- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 9 p.m. local (3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT)
- Location: Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
- Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
- Last meeting: Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Bayern Munich (Mar. 11, 2025 | Bundesliga)
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen best bet
- Pick: Under 2.5 total goals
- Odds: +105 (DraftKings)
Leverkusen’s defence has been exceptional over the last few weeks, so much so that it’s come at the expense of their attack. Even before the disappointing 0-0 draw with Bayern in league play recently, they did the same at Wolfsburg where they held their opponents to just 0.68 xG but also failed to profit themselves from 1.51 xG of their own.
Even in matches in which they did concede multiple goals, such as the recent 3-2 derby win over Koln, they were done in by a few individual errors rather than a glutton of chances.
This tactic can work against Bayern, though, as Celtic proved: absorb enough pressure and frustrate Bayern in the attacking third, and things begin to open up for yourself as the game drags on. Look for Leverkusen to keep a lid on this match for the majority of the 90 minutes and not take too many chances themselves.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen prop bet
At the end of this season, it’s highly likely that Leverkusen will have to wave goodbye to Florian Wirtz. With his contract expiring in 2027, this summer will be the perfect time to sell the 21-year-old superstar.
Someone is going to pay a boatload of cash for his signature, and there’s a good reason why — he’s exceptional. A perfect fit in the Alonso system sitting in the pocket behind Victor Boniface, Wirtz has racked up 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, repeatedly pulling the strings for his club.
Yet he’s still looking for a signature moment. Wirtz’s seven Champions League goal contributions this season have come against lesser competition, while he drew a blank against the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid.
After missing a sitter at the death in the recent 0-0 draw with Bayern, what better time to atone for such a glaring hole in his resume than here? The moment is right, and the player is hungry. If not now, when?
