The Matchday 5 clash in the 2024/25 Champions League group stage between Bayer (Germany) and Salzburg (Austria) will take place on November 26 at the BayArena in Leverkusen. Bayer vs. Salzburg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Mykola Balakin (Ukraine)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2023/24–2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 29%.
Predicted lineups for Bayer vs. Salzburg
Bayer (3-4-3): Lukáš Hrádecký – Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba, Piero Hincapié – Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich, Alejandro Grimaldo – Florian Wirtz, Martin Terrier, Patrik Schick.
Salzburg (4-3-3): Alexander Schlager – Aleksa Terzić, Samson Baidoo, Kamil Piątkowski, Amar Dedić – Lucas Gourna-Douath, Mads Bidstrup, Nicolás Capaldo – Oscar Gloukh, Moussa Kounfolo Yeo, Adam Daghim.
Bayer
In the last round, Xabi Alonso's side suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat away to Liverpool. As a result, Bayer's five-match unbeaten run in the Champions League (2 wins, 3 draws) came to an end. Additionally, it was the first time since 2014 that the team lost by more than three goals in this European competition. In the standings, Leverkusen remains with seven points and has dropped to 13th place.
Defenders Nordi Mukiele and Jeanuel Belocian, midfielder Jonas Hofmann, and forwards Amine Adli and Victor Boniface will miss the game due to injuries.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 12 of their last 16 home matches in the Champions League (7 wins, 5 draws).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in seven of the team's previous home games in this European competition.
- At least one of the opponents failed to score in regular time in Bayer's last five home matches in the Champions League.
Salzburg
Pep Lijnders' side defeated Feyenoord 3-1 away in the last round. As a result, Salzburg ended their three-match losing streak in the Champions League and scored their first goals in the group stage. The victory lifted the Austrians to 30th place in the standings, with a two-point gap from the playoff zone.
Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich and midfielder Maurits Kjaergaard will miss the match due to injuries.
- The team has not won in regular time in 11 of their last 14 away matches in the Champions League (5 draws, 6 losses).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 90 minutes in 5 of the club's last 7 away games in this European competition.
- The Austrians have not conceded more than two goals in regular time in 5 of their last 7 away matches in the Champions League.
Bayer vs. Salzburg: Match Prediction
Leverkusen prefers to play with a clear emphasis on attack, especially in home matches. However, this style leaves their defense vulnerable, resulting in regular concessions. In half of their last eight home games in the Champions League, Bayer has conceded at least two goals in regular time. In the Bundesliga this season, the club has kept only one clean sheet.
Salzburg has not shown the strongest performances in the Champions League but still strives to make an impact in each match. The Austrians are not known for defensive play and constantly seek opportunities for attacking plays, often resulting in goals. In 22 previous away encounters in this European competition, the club has failed to score in only four matches over 90 minutes.
It is also noteworthy that in each of their last three matches against German teams on their turf in the Champions League, Salzburg managed to score in regular time. My prediction: Salzburg Individual Total Over 0.5
