Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2025-26 UEFA Champions League | Round of 16
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Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal meet for the first time in over 20 years as the pair lock horns in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – Paramount+
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Solid form
Bayer Leverkusen made it through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League courtesy of a 2-0 aggregate victory over Olympiacos in the knockout phase play-offs, and they will now bid to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since they lost to Real Madrid in the 2001-02 final.
The German side have been solid in 2026 overall, and have lost just one of their last 12 games in all competitions.
Arsenal preview: Tournament favourites
Arsenal were supreme during the league phase, topping the table after winning all eight of their fixtures, and they head into the round of 16 as the favourites among many bookies to go all the way.
The Gunners are fighting on four different fronts for trophies this season, with the UEFA Champions League naturally among their highest priorities alongside the Premier League.
Bayer Leverkusen team news
Team news to appear here following the pre-match club's press conference...
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Arsenal team news
Team news to appear here following the club's pre-match press conference...
Predicted XI (X-X-X-X):
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Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal prediction
Bayer Leverkusen have made themselves hard to beat in 2026 but head coach Kasper Hjulmand knows that his side face one of the toughest possible tests in the last 16, with Arsenal proving a formidable force across all competitions.
The German outfit have beaten English opposition once already this season though, recording a 0-2 win away at Man City in November, while they also drew 2-2 with Newcastle in the final set of league phase fixtures.
Arsenal, meanwhile are unbeaten in their last nine competitive games, and have been ruthlessly efficient in their European outings. Mikel Arteta's side boast the best defensive record in this season's Champions League campaign, and they look capable of recording a win and clean sheet in this first leg in Germany.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal Tip: Arsenal to win to nil
