Leverkusen Prioritizes Winning in Champions League Quest

Bayer Leverkusen is gearing up for a crucial Champions League match against Villarreal. The team recognizes that a victory is essential for their advancement into the knockout stage play-offs.

Leverkusen’s Champions League Aspirations

Currently, Leverkusen finds itself in 20th place in their group. This position leaves them at risk of dropping out of playoff contention if they do not secure a win on Wednesday. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand emphasized that the team’s primary focus will remain on aspects they can control.

Hjulmand’s Determined Approach

“It’s a really important game for us. We want to progress to the next round; that’s our clear goal,” Hjulmand stated. While the team will monitor other matches, their mentality is to prioritize their own performance.

Hjulmand’s history in the Champions League has been challenging. He remains winless in six home matches in the competition, recording one draw and two losses with FC Nordsjaelland and two draws and one loss with Leverkusen. Overall, he has conceded a staggering 20 goals in those matches, averaging 3.3 goals against per game.

Challenges Ahead: Villarreal’s Strengths

Villarreal, despite struggling in their Champions League campaign, are currently performing well in LaLiga. They are the only Spanish side to have played seven matches in the European Cup without achieving a win, with one draw and six losses.

Lucas Vazquez of Leverkusen acknowledges the challenge posed by Villarreal. “They are having a great season in La Liga,” he noted. “Their team and players are very strong. They will come here to cause us problems.”

Preparing for Success

Vazquez also expressed confidence in Leverkusen’s preparations. “We are eager to win the upcoming matches, crucial for the club’s success,” he stated. With a strong team and dedication, they believe they can achieve great things moving forward.

• Match: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Villarreal
• Date: Wednesday (specific date not provided)
• Leverkusen’s current position: 20th in the group
• Hjulmand’s home record: Winless in six Champions League matches
• Goals conceded under Hjulmand: 20 in six games (avg. 3.3 per game)
• Villarreal’s European record: D1 L6 in seven Champions League games
• Vazquez’s insight: Emphasized strength of Villarreal’s team

As Leverkusen prepares for this decisive match, their mentality remains clear: they play to win, aiming for a successful Champions League journey.