Copenhagen will take on Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, 18 September, as the first week of 2025/26 Champions League action wraps up.
Neither side has started their domestic seasons in the way they'd have liked, with Copenhagen currently trailing AGF in Denmark and Bayer Leverkusen languishing in midtable in Germany.
The German side are also already onto their second manager of the season after sacking Erik ten Hag just two games into his tenure.
As part of this week's round of Champions League betting tips, check out our Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction below.
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Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction: Away W
Key Stats
- Copenhagen have failed to win their last seven home matches against German opposition (one draw, six defeats).
- Bayer Leverkusen are unbeaten away from home this season.
- Both teams have scored in three of Bayer Leverkusen's last four competitive matches.
Correct score prediction: Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen
Copenhagen are one of the weaker teams in the Champions League this seaosn and Bayer Leverkusen should take care of business on Thursday, particularly as they are in the midst of a new manager bounce.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts start as underdogs
- HOME: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen odds offer great value on an away, which is what we have predicted for the match. Ladbrokes have given Copenhagen a 30.3% chance of winning the match, while Bayer Leverkusen have been given a 46.5% chance of victory.
Meanwhile, William Hill have a promo code on offer that can be taken advantage of for this match and all other Champions League matches this week.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first competitive meeting in 11 years
This will be the first time that Copenhagen and Bayer Leverkusen have played against each other in a competitive match since 2024, when they met in the Champions League playoff round. On that occasion, the German side won the match in Copenhagen 3-2.
Europe Friendlies 15/01/23
Bayer Leverkusen
FC Copenhagen
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 27/08/14
Bayer Leverkusen
FC Copenhagen
UEFA Champions League Qualifying 19/08/14
FC Copenhagen
Bayer Leverkusen
Copenhagen preview: Key man missing
Copenhagen will be forced to play their opening Champions League match without one of their best players, with Magnus Mattson ruled out with a serious knee injury. The midfielder could even miss the entire season due to the severity of the problem. Jonathan Moalem and Oliver Hojer are also out.
Predicted lineup: Kotarski (GK), Lopez, Hatzidiakos, Pereira, Huescas, Delaney Lerager, Achouri, Elyounoussi, Larsson, Cornelius
Last five results
- Brondby 2-1 Copenhagen
- Randers 1-5 Copenhagen
- Copenhagen 2-0 Basel
- Copenhagen 1-1 Odense
- Basel 1-1 Copenhagen
Bayer Leverkusen preview: Palacios out
Bayer Leverkusen have a long-term absentee themselves, with Exequiel Palacios expected to miss the entire season after undergoing surgery earlier in the week. Hjolmund will want to keep the rest of his starting XI as similar as possible after winning their first match of his tenure.
Predicted lineup: Flekken (GK), Tapsoba, Bade, Quansah, Grimaldo, Andrich, Garcia, Vazquez, Tillman, Tella, Schick
Last five results
- Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Frankfurt
- Werder Bremen 3-3 Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Hoffenheim
- Grossapatch 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen
- Chelsea 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Player to watch: Patrik Schick
Patrik Schick is one of the few players remaining from the Xabi Alonso era at Bayer Leverkusen and the experienced striker has started the new season. Schick has scored three goals in three Bundesliga appearances so far and will now be looking to bring that form into the Champions League.
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