Bayer Leverkusen will host Villarreal on Wednesday, January 28, in a crucial UEFA Champions League Round 8 matchup at the BayArena.
With knockout-stage implications on the line, both clubs enter the contest needing a statement result as the group stage reaches its decisive phase.
Match Details
- Match: Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal
- Competition: UEFA Champions League – Round 8
- Date: Wednesday, January 28
- Kickoff Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: BayArena (Leverkusen, Germany)
- Capacity: 30,210
- Surface: Grass
Weather Report
Conditions in Leverkusen are expected to be challenging, with light rain and temperatures around 39°F (4°C) at kickoff. The slick surface could impact passing tempo and favor a more physical, direct style of play.
How to Watch
Fans in the United States can watch the match live on:
- Paramount+
- ViX
- ViX Premium Deportes 20
Streaming options make the match accessible for both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences.
Team Form: Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen’s recent form has been mixed, showing defensive resilience but occasional inconsistency:
- Win vs Werder Bremen (1–0)
- Loss vs Olympiacos (0–2)
- Win vs Hoffenheim (1–0)
- Loss vs Stuttgart (1–4)
- Win vs RB Leipzig (3–1)
Playing at home gives Leverkusen a significant boost, especially in European competition where BayArena has historically been a difficult venue for visiting sides.
Team Form: Villarreal
Villarreal arrive in Germany with uneven results across domestic and European play:
- Loss vs Real Madrid (0–2)
- Loss vs Ajax (1–2)
- Loss vs Real Betis (0–2)
- Win vs Slavia Prague (3–1)
- Win vs Elche (3–1)
The Spanish side has shown attacking quality but has struggled defensively away from home, an issue that could prove costly against Leverkusen’s high-press system.
Match Outlook & Key Storylines
- Home advantage: Leverkusen’s crowd and familiarity with wet conditions could be decisive.
- European urgency: Both teams need points to solidify their position heading into the knockout rounds.
- Tactical battle: Expect Leverkusen to press high, while Villarreal may look to absorb pressure and counter.
Prediction
With home-field advantage and greater defensive stability, Bayer Leverkusen enter the match as slight favorites. Villarreal’s attacking threats make this a dangerous matchup, but conditions and form lean toward a narrow home victory.
Projected score: Bayer Leverkusen 2, Villarreal 1