Cologne vs Bayer Leverkusen
Bundesliga
Sunday
3rd March 2024
RheinEnergieStadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Cologne and Bayer Leverkusen.
Cologne vs Bayer Leverkusen: Preview
Cologne form analysis
FC Cologne has found mixed results in their recent Bundesliga form. On January 27th, they drew Wolfsburg 1-1 after taking an early lead but conceding an equalizer before halftime. They followed up with a strong 2-0 home win over Eintracht Frankfurt on February 3rd thanks to second half goals from F. Alidou and J. Thielmann. However, FC Cologne then failed to win their next three matches. Against Hoffenheim on Feb 11th, they took a late lead but conceded in added time to draw 1-1.
At home against Werder Bremen on the 17th, they fell 0-1 after allowing a 70th minute winner. Most recently on the 24th, FC Cologne drew Stuttgart 1-1 after equalizing late through E. Martel to erase a second half deficit. Overall, FC Cologne has struggled to hold onto leads, conceding equalizers in three straight matches when scoring first. A solid defense and opportunistic attack has kept them competitive, but they have lacked a ruthless edge in translating chances to close out wins. Maintaining leads and focus for a full 90 minutes could help turn these tight results more firmly in their favor. Converting more scoring opportunities would also serve them well to take some pressure off the defense.
Bayer Leverkusen form analysis
After an uninspiring scoreless draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach on January 27th, Bayer Leverkusen have shown signs of improvement in recent matches. They edged past an overmatched Darmstadt 0-2 on February 3rd thanks to a brace from N. Tella. Leverkusen built on that result by dismantling mighty Bayern Munich 3-0 on the 10th behind goals from J. Stanišić, Álex Grimaldo and J. Frimpong to issue a statement win. On the 17th, they faced more difficulty but ultimately came away from Heidenheim with a 1-2 victory after going up two goals on strikes from J. Frimpong and A. Adli before conceding late.
Most recently, Leverkusen narrowly beat Mainz 2-1 at home on February 24th, overcoming an early concession to lead through R. Andrich after G. Xhaka opened the scoring. Overall, Leverkusen seem to be rounding into strong form after underwhelming earlier in the season. An energetic and opportunistic attack has combined well with an organized defense that has conceded minimal goals from open play over this stretch. Maintaining this focus and sharpness could carry Leverkusen on a run up the Bundesliga table if results continue trending positively. Staying disciplined and concentrated for 90 minutes will best position them to close out wins as the matches get tighter later in the season.
