Match Preview: Bayer vs PSV

The second-round fixture of the 2025/26 group stage will feature Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) against PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands). This anticipated match is scheduled for October 1st at the BayArena in Leverkusen. This article provides a comprehensive forecast, including team statistics and key insights for the Bayer vs PSV clash.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Current Performance

Kasper Hjulmand’s side narrowly escaped defeat in their initial away game against Copenhagen, salvaging a 2-2 draw with a late equalizer. This result, however, marks the fourth time in their last five appearances that Bayer has failed to secure a win (1 draw, 3 losses). Additionally, the club has now conceded at least two goals in three consecutive European Cup encounters. Currently, the Leverkusen outfit occupies the 17th position in the overall group stage standings. Notably, Bayer boasts an impressive record against Dutch clubs, remaining unbeaten in their last seven European matches (4 wins, 3 draws).

• The team has avoided defeat in 6 of their last 8 home matches in the (5 wins, 1 draw).
• In nine of the club’s previous home fixtures in this European competition, at least one opponent failed to score.
• A maximum of two goals were scored in 7 of Bayer’s last 9 home matches.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Probable Starting XI (3-4-3)

Mark Flekken – Loïc Badé, Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba – Alex Grimaldo, Robert Andrich, Aleix García, Lucas Vázquez – Malik Tillman, Kristijan Kofana, Ernest Poku.

Midfielder Exequiel Palacios, along with forwards Patrik Schick and Nathan Tella, are unavailable due to injuries.

PSV Eindhoven’s Recent Form

In their first group match, Peter Bosz’s squad suffered a home loss to newcomers Union Saint-Gilloise (1:3). Consequently, PSV has now failed to win in four of their last five games (1 draw, 3 losses). Furthermore, the team’s streak of conceding goals in this European competition has extended to nine consecutive matches. On the positive side, the Dutch club has managed to score in seven consecutive fixtures. PSV is currently ranked 29th in the overall group stage table. It’s worth highlighting that PSV has achieved only one victory in their last 20 away European matches against German clubs (4 draws, 15 losses).

• The team has not secured a win in 6 of their last 7 away matches (2 draws, 4 losses).
• The club conceded at least two goals in 6 of their previous 8 away games in this European competition.
• Both teams found the net in 7 of their last 9 away matches.

PSV Eindhoven’s Expected Lineup (4-3-3)

Matěj Kovář – Sergino Dest, Ryan Flamingo, Armando Obispo, Jarek Gasiorowski – Jerdy Schouten, Joey Veerman, Ismael Saibari – Eszmir Bajraktarević, Ivan Perišić, Ricardo Pepi.

Defender Killiann Sildillia, along with forwards Myron Boadu and Ruben van Bommel, are currently sidelined with injuries.

The Referee: Glenn Nyberg

The match will be officiated by Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg.

Matches officiated – 15 (International matches, 2024/25-2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second cautions) – 57;

Average yellow cards per match – 3.8;

Red cards shown – 1;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 20%.

Bayer Leverkusen vs PSV: Expert Prediction

While the Leverkusen team has not delivered an outstanding start to the current season, I believe they possess the capability to perform at their peak when playing at home. My primary expectation is for a strong defensive display from Bayer; historically, the club has demonstrated solid capabilities in this area during competitions. In their last six home matches in this European tournament, the Germans recorded five clean sheets and only conceded against Bayern Munich. Notably, during this period, they managed to prevent even formidable opponents like Inter and Milan from scoring.

PSV struggled to score more than a single goal even at home against a newcomer, and on the road, the club frequently encounters difficulties in breaching opponent defenses. In their last seven away fixtures in this European competition, the Dutch side scored at least twice on only two occasions, failing to find the net entirely in two other matches. Moreover, PSV has managed to score just once in their last three away encounters against German clubs in the .

I anticipate that Bayer Leverkusen will successfully limit their opponents to no more than one goal in this fixture. My final prediction for this match is: “PSV Total Goals Under 1.5”.