Leverkusen in the Driving Seat Ahead of Meeting with Rangers

Bayer Leverkusen vs Rangers FC - 06/08/2020

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04/08/20

Leverkusen in the Driving Seat Ahead of Meeting with Rangers

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We resume the 2019/20 Europa League at the Round of 16 stage. Some of the ties have already completed the first leg including the one between Bayer Leverkusen and Rangers.

The second leg of that tie will take place in Germany on the 6th of August with the winner progressing to the quarter final and a meeting with either Inter Milan or Getafe.

Bayer Leverkusen come into the game with a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Scotland. The Bundesliga club opened the scoring in the first half from the penalty spot and got their second of the game after 67 minutes. Rangers got a goal back in the 75th minute but with just two minutes remaining on the clock Bayer Leverkusen extended their lead with a third goal.

The first leg of our #UEL Round of 16 tie with Rangers FC ended in a 3-1 victory for the Werkself.

What are your predictions for the second leg on Thursday?

🔜 #B04RFC pic.twitter.com/CqHDsNuUdG
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) August 3, 2020

The Germans were hoping to secure Champions League football for next season via their domestic League position. Unfortunately, they finished 2 points outside the top four and must now rely on winning the Europa League to qualify for the Champions League.

Bayer Leverkusen dropped into the Europa League this season having finished third in their Champions League group. They won two matches in their group including a good 2-1 home victory over Atletico Madrid. Trends show Bayer Leverkusen are undefeated in their last 8 Europa League games and over 2.5 goals have been scored in their 3 most recent games in the competition.

Both teams have scored in 4 of their last 5 home Europa League matches.

Rangers may still be playing in the 2019/20 Europa League but have also commenced their 2020/21 domestic season in Scotland. Rangers played Aberdeen on the weekend and came away with a 1-0 victory although it was not a convincing performance. Towards the end of last season, Rangers where in poor form and won only one of their final 4 games.

The 1-0 defeat at Hearts in the Scottish Cup quarter-final was disappointing as was the 1-0 loss at home against Hamilton Academical.

Away from home in the Europa League is where Rangers have struggled in the 2019/20 competition. They produced a good performance to defeat Braga 1-0 in their most recent away Europa League game but prior to that they failed to win in 4 attempts. There were 3 draws and just one defeat.

Rangers have scored in each of their last 4 away Europa League matches but have kept just a single clean sheet in those 4 games.

Looking ahead to the team news and Bayer Leverkusen will be without the suspended Kerem Demirbay due to the number of bookings he has received. Paulinho is the only injury concern and Kai Havertz should start.

Rangers are expected to be without both Nikola Katic and Jermain Defoe due to injury. Leon Balogun, who played on the weekend is not eligible for this competition having signed for the new season.

This will be the first competitive match for Bayer Leverkusen since the German Cup final and it may take them a little time to get up to speed. However, they should have the quality to see off Rangers in a match where both teams could score.

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