Bayer Leverkusen has been one of the standout teams in Europe over the opening months of the season. The Bundesliga leaders will be looking to continue their charge at the top of the Group H standings on Thursday when they come up against Qarabağ.
Europa League Preview
It has been a stunning start to the season for Xabi Alonso and his Bayer Leverkusen side, as they already sit top of both the Bundesliga and Group H in the Europa League. The German giants have won each of their opening two matches in the European competition to this point, and have scored an impressive six goals.
Qarabağ are looking set to be Leverkusen’s most likely rivals for the top spot in the group standings, as they have also picked up victories in each of their opening two matches in this stage. Defensively, they have been excellent to this point, as they have failed to concede across their two matches.
Leverkusen will be looking to make history in the Europa League this week, as they have never previously won their opening three group stage matches in the competition. In fact, their only previous appearance which saw them win three straight group stage matches came in the Champions League in 2001-02 when they reached the final of the competition.
Qarabağ’s success this season in Europe has been built on their impressive defence. They are one of just three sides in the Europa League that are yet to concede a goal in the tournament so far this term. Meanwhile, Qarabağ have allowed fewer shots on target than any other side. That defensive record will be put to the test on Thursday.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Qarabağ Head to Head
This will be the first time that Leverkusen has come up against a side from Azerbaijan in a European competition. However, Qarabağ have faced German opposition on six previous occasions, but they have suffered defeats in five of those matches. Their only positive result was a 1-1 draw against Freiburg last season.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Qarabağ Prediction
It is incredibly challenging to overlook the dominant start to the season that Leverkusen have made across the Europa League and Bundesliga this term. Therefore, we expect them to grind out a victory at BayArena on Thursday to extend their advantage at the top of the Group H standings.
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