Analysis: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal at 00:45 on March 12, Champions League Round of 16

Analysis: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal (00:45, March 12). Predictions, expected lineup, expert analysis for the Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal match in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 2025/2026.

Analysis: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

The clash at BayArena promises to be dramatic as two teams with notable "invincible" seasons in the 21st century, Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal, face off in the Champions League Round of 16.

Arsenal enters the knockout stage as one of the most impressive teams from the league phase. Under manager Mikel Arteta, they won all 8 matches, scoring 23 goals and conceding only 4 – the best record in both attack and defense. Victories against strong opponents like Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan demonstrate the Gunners' high ambition in their quest for a first-ever Champions League title.

Arsenal's recent performance has also been very stable. The Premier League side has a 4-match winning streak across all competitions. Last weekend, even with a rotated lineup, they defeated Mansfield 2-1 in the FA Cup. Notably, Arsenal scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 11 away matches, showing formidable attacking capability when playing away.

On the other side, Bayer Leverkusen had a more difficult path to the Round of 16. The Bundesliga representative only finished 16th in the group stage before overcoming Olympiacos in the play-off. A 2-0 away win in the first leg gave them an advantage, and a 0-0 home draw secured their progression.

Leverkusen's recent form has not been entirely stable, with only 1 win in their last 5 matches across all competitions. Last weekend, they drew 3-3 with Freiburg in the Bundesliga. However, BayArena remains a strong fortress for the German team, as they are unbeaten in their last 6 home matches and conceded only 1 goal during this run.

Considering squad strength and current form, Arsenal is rated slightly higher. Nevertheless, Leverkusen's home advantage and disciplined play could pose significant challenges for the Premier League side in this first leg.

Squad Status: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

Bayer Leverkusen: Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick are injured. Schick's availability remains uncertain.

Arsenal: David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Gabriel Magalhaes are likely to return after resting last weekend. William Saliba, Martin Odegaard, and Ben White's participation is uncertain. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori may not recover in time.

Expected Lineup: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Terrier; Kofane

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres

Bayer Leverkusen Form

07/03/26: Freiburg 3-3 Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

05/03/26: Hamburger SV 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

28/02/26: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Mainz (Bundesliga)

25/02/26: Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Olympiacos (Champions League)

21/02/26: Union Berlin 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Arsenal Form

07/03/26: Mansfield 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup)

05/03/26: Brighton 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

01/03/26: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)

22/02/26: Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal (Premier League)

19/02/26: Wolves 2-2 Arsenal (Premier League)

Head-to-Head History: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

08/08/24: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Friendly)

28/02/02: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League)

20/02/02: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League)

Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

Leverkusen has a solid home record and will certainly play cautiously against Arsenal. However, Arsenal's stable form and superior squad quality give them a higher rating.

If they effectively utilize opportunities from set pieces and counter-attacks, Arsenal can certainly gain an advantage before the return leg in London.

Predicted Score: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal: 1-2