Bayern Munich has one foot in the quarterfinals, and barring a miracle, this tie looks all but wrapped up. The Bavarian giants hold a commanding 3-0 advantage over Bayer Leverkusen heading into the second leg, leaving their opponents with a mountain to climb.
Xabi Alonso has worked wonders since taking the reins at Leverkusen, keeping them competitive despite a more challenging campaign this time around. While they’re still technically the reigning champions, Bayern has the Bundesliga title firmly in its sights again, making it clear they intend to reclaim their throne.
In the first leg, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern put on a masterclass in Bavaria, notching one of their most dominant performances of the season.
England skipper Harry Kane bagged a brace, while Germany’s own Jamal Musiala added the cherry on top, sealing a three-goal romp that left Leverkusen licking its wounds. Now, with the return leg looming, Alonso’s squad faces an uphill battle to turn the tide.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Paramount+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the English language. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
What time does Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany and kicks off on Tuesday, March 11 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Tue, Mar. 11 | 4:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Tue, Mar. 11 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Tue, Mar. 11 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Tue, Mar. 11 | 1:00 p.m.. |
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineups, team news
Bayern will have to soldier on without Manuel Neuer, as the veteran goalkeeper remains sidelined with a calf injury until late March. That means Jonas Urbig is set to guard the net, with center-backs Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae forming a sturdy wall in front of him.
In the heart of midfield, Joshua Kimmich is a lock to start, and he could be paired with Leon Goretzka in a double pivot to keep things ticking.
Leading the charge up top, Harry Kane will spearhead the attack, with a dynamic supporting cast likely featuring Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala. With that firepower at their disposal, Bayern will be looking to turn up the heat once again.
Bayern Munich predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Urbig (GK) — Stanisic, Upamecano, Kim, Guerreiro — Goretzka, Kimmich — Olise, Musiala, Coman — Kane
Injured: Manuel Neuer.
Suspended: None.
Leverkusen will have to shuffle the deck, with some key players missing for the second leg. Defender Mukiele is sidelined due to suspension, while Jeanuel Belocian is out for the season. That could pave the way for a back-three featuring Mario Hermoso, Piero Hincapié, and Jonathan Tah.
In midfield, Robert Andrich’s availability hangs in the balance as he battles an illness. If he’s unable to suit up, Xabi Alonso may turn to Exequiel Palacios to slot in alongside Granit Xhaka and keep the engine room running.
Up front, Leverkusen will have to make do without their star playmaker Florian Wirtz, who won’t be back in action until April. Without him pulling the strings, Amine Adli could step in to link up with Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface in attack, as they look to conjure up some magic in the final third.
Bayer Leverkusen predicted XI (3-4-2-1, right to left): Kovar (GK) — Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie — Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo — Tella, Wirtz — Boniface.
Injured: Mukiele, Jeanuel Belocian.
Suspended: None
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen prediction
Bayer Leverkusen has turned their home ground into a fortress, but without Florian Wirtz pulling the strings, breaking down Bayern’s defense could be a tall order.
Keeping the Bavarian juggernaut off the scoresheet seems like wishful thinking, and with a three-goal cushion in their back pocket, it’s hard to imagine anything other than Bayern punching their ticket to the next round.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Bayern wins 4-1 on aggregate)
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, March 11
- Barcelona vs. Benfica (1:45 p.m.)
- Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bayern Munich (4 p.m.)
- Inter Milan vs. Feyenoord Rotterdam (4 p.m.)
- Liverpool vs. PSG (4 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 12
- Lille vs. Borussia Dortmund(1:45 p.m.)
- Arsenal vs. PSV Eindhoven (4 p.m.)
- Aston Ville vs. Club Brugge (4 p.m.)
- Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid (4 p.m.)
