Bold opener: The Champions League knockout stage just got real, and Bayer Leverkusen are in the crosshairs. But here’s where it gets controversial: the path to the final could be trickier than expected, depending on how results unfold.
We’ve drawn Bayer Leverkusen for the Round of 16 in the Champions League. The first leg will be hosted by Leverkusen at the BayArena, on either Tuesday, March 10, or Wednesday, March 11. The return fixture will take place in north London a week later, on either Tuesday, March 17, or Wednesday, March 18. Final fixture dates will be confirmed soon.
Leverkusen currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga. They reached the last 16 by finishing 16th in the group stage, then won 2-0 away to Olympiacos in the playoff first leg, courtesy of a Patrik Schick brace. A 0-0 draw in the second leg sealed their progression.
Historically, our most recent competitive meeting with Leverkusen was in the 2001/02 Champions League, in the second group stage. We drew 1-1 at the BayArena after a late concession, but Triomphed 4-1 at Highbury, with goals from Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Dennis Bergkamp sealing victory.
Beyond the Round of 16 draw, the full bracket for the rest of the tournament has also been revealed. If we advance past Leverkusen, the quarter-finals could see us face Sporting Lisbon or Bodø/Glimt in April. Should we keep progressing to the semi-finals, a heavyweight line-up awaits—potential ties could feature Newcastle United, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, or Tottenham Hotspur, echoing last season’s deep run.
Hospitality packages for the second leg against Leverkusen are available now.
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