Bayer Leverkusen vs Hacken
UEFA Europa League
Group H
Thursday
21st September 2023
BayArena
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Bayer Leverkusen and Hacken.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Hacken: Preview
Bayer Leverkusen form analysis
Leverkusen began this period with an excellent 3-2 home win over Champions League rivals RB Leipzig thanks to goals from Frimpong, Tah and starlet Wirtz, despite a late comeback from Leipzig.
They followed that up with an impressive 0-3 away win against Borussia Mönchengladbach thanks to goals from new signing Boniface, Tah and a second from Boniface. It was a dominant display.
In their most recent match, Leverkusen continued their strong form by comfortably dispatching Darmstadt 5-1 at home in the German Cup. Summer arrival Boniface grabbed another brace to take his tally to 4 goals in 3 games since arriving at the club.
Most recently, Leverkusen held league leaders Bayern Munich to a dramatic 2-2 home draw. They equalized late through Palacios’ penalty after Bayern led twice through Kane and Goretzka.
Overall, it’s been a tremendously positive start to the season for Leverkusen as they look to qualify for the Champions League again. New coach Xabi Alonso has had an immediate impact, with summer signing Boniface also excelling early on.
Hacken form analysis
Häcken began positively by fighting back to draw 2-2 at home with Aberdeen in the first leg of their Europa League playoff. Goals from Sadiq and Layouni earned them a creditable result.
They built on that by then beating Aberdeen 1-3 away in the second leg to progress thanks to another Sadiq brace and a late Layouni penalty. However, their league form then suffered with a 0-4 thrashing away at IFK Gothenburg.
Häcken’s domestic struggles continued with a narrow 0-1 home loss to Degerfors despite dominating possession and chances. Most recently though, Häcken returned to winning ways with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Halmstad. Sonko’s late equalizer and Hovland’s last minute winner sealed the points.
Overall, it’s been a mixed spell as Häcken have impressed in Europe but struggled for domestic form. Transferring their continental displays to their Allsvenskan campaign will be key to reviving their push for European qualification.
