Qarabag vs Bayer Leverkusen
UEFA Europa League
Round of 16
Thursday
7th March 2024
Tofik Bakhramov Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Qarabag and Bayer Leverkusen.
Qarabag vs Bayer Leverkusen: Preview
Qarabag form analysis
Qarabag’s recent European form paints the picture of a defensively unsettled side who offer just enough going forward. They started their Europa League campaign with a heartbreaking 1-0 home loss to Leverkusen on November 9th, conceding an injury-time Boniface penalty. Chasing their first points away to Norwegian side Molde on December 1st, Souza’s early opener set Qarabag on course for victory before two late Eriksen goals saw them concede another late leveller in a 2-2 draw. Signs of defensive improvement followed during a 2-1 home win over Swedish outfit Hacken on December 14th however, built on early goals from Andrade and Benzia.
This newfound resilience served Qarabag well away to Portuguese side Braga on February 16th as they inflicted a brilliant 4-2 upset victory, hitting Braga on the break as hat-trick hero Zoubir starred. But familiar fragility returned a week later as their round of 16 hopes remained in the balance after losing an epic extra time thriller 3-2 at home. Overall Qarabag’s form shows they carry just enough weapons on the counterattack through the likes of Zoubir to punish teams, but they must tighten up defensively to trouble formidable last 16 opposition Bayer Leverkusen next should they progress on away goals.
Bayer Leverkusen form analysis
Bayer Leverkusen’s recent European form suggests an attack-minded team packed with offensive weapons but prone to switching off defensively. They started strongly by winning away from home against Norwegian side Molde and Qarabag, displaying their clinical edge even if offering chances back in 2-1 and 5-1 victories respectively. Their fighting spirit also showed during a hard fought 1-0 away win over a stubborn Qarabag side thanks to another late Boniface penalty. Leverkusen’s ferocious attacking arsenal was on full show by destroying already-eliminated Swedish outfit Hacken 2-0 and thrashing Molde 5-1 in consecutive home games to round off an emphatic group stage.
Czech star Patrik Schick and teenage sensation Florian Wirtz led the goal glut alongside Boniface’s decisive contributions up front. Their form paints the picture of an extremely dangerous attacking unit but question marks linger whether their open, attack-minded approach could expose them against sophisticated European opposition. However with weapons like Moussa Diaby, new signing Hudson-Odoi and Grimaldo’s set piece delivery, Leverkusen will back themselves to outscore most opponents en route to Europa League glory come May.
