Preview

Champions League match preview: Feyenoord vs. Bayer
Date and time: September 19, 2024, 19:45
Venue: Feyenoord Stadium, Rotterdam
Tournament: Champions League, group stage, first round

Where to watch: Megogo

Feyenoord
The Rotterdam club is going through difficult times after the departure of successful coach Arne Slot. The new coach, Dane Brian Priske, has not yet managed to stabilize the team's play. Despite a successful start to the season with a victory over PSV in the Dutch Super Cup, Feyenoord has shown instability in the Eredivisie - only one win in four matches and five goals conceded against relatively weak opponents. This is alarming ahead of the start of the Champions League, where any mistake can be costly.

For Priske, this match will be a serious test - there are no clear underdogs in the group, and each match requires maximum concentration. If Feyenoord does not improve their defensive play and find a solution in attack, they risk failing on the European stage. The time for restructuring is over, and now they need to show results immediately.

Bayer
The Leverkusen team under the leadership of Xabi Alonso started the new season with confidence and ambition. In five matches, Bayer won four times, the only defeat was against RB Leipzig after an incredible comeback by the opponent - despite a 2:0 lead, the "pharmacists" conceded three goals and lost. However, this is more an exception to the rule - otherwise, Bayer demonstrates a stable and high-quality game, continuing to build on the successful last season, when they also shone in the Bundesliga.

Xabi Alonso has built a team that is not afraid to play against strong opponents, and the Champions League will be an important stage for further development. Given the strength of the group, Bayer will have a difficult path ahead, but the team's current form allows them to count on reaching the next stage.

Prediction:
Despite the fact that Feyenoord is playing at home, Bayer looks like the favorite in the match. Xabi Alonso's team is showing a confident game, and if the scenario with Leipzig does not repeat itself, they will strive to take three points in Rotterdam. It is important for Feyenoord to stabilize the game and use the home factor, otherwise they risk starting the tournament with a defeat.