Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
After recent changes, Bayer 04 Leverkusen travel to Denmark with renewed hope to face Copenhagen, who also want to make a positive start to the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen are not dealing with the same rebuild issues as their opponents, because Jacob Neestrup has been in charge for three years. Last season they went only as far as the Round of 16 in the Conference League, largely because the draw paired them with eventual winners Chelsea. In qualifying for this season’s Champions League the Danish team came through three rounds, seeing off a resurgent Basel 1893 (1:1, 2:0) in the final tie. Their most recent tie against Bundesliga opposition ended well; before meeting Chelsea they dispatched 1. Heidenheim 1846 (1:2, 3:1).
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Kasper Hjulmand has not worked at Copenhagen, but he spent four years in the early 2020s leading Denmark, so he knows one of the country’s leading clubs well. The new chapter has begun successfully. After a difficult previous month, Bayer Leverkusen earned a first win over fellow Champions League participants, Eintracht Frankfurt (3:1). Álex Grimaldo was central to that success, scoring twice direct from free-kicks. The team saw it out even after being reduced to nine men late on. Bayer look more mentally resilient.
Copenhagen vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction
Copenhagen are secure domestically, but Bayer Leverkusen do not look inferior even after selling much of their core. That first win provided a clear shot of confidence, so the German side will fancy their chances of taking points. Álex Grimaldo’s free kicks and corners remain a major weapon from a retained key asset: the visitors should score and avoid defeat.
