A return to old strengths with new personnel: FC Bayern aiming for the next win at Leverkusen

FC Bayern take on Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Saturday (live text and free Web Radio commentary from 15:30 CET on fcbayern.com and in the FC Bayern app) in a Bundesliga Matchday 26 encounter. Here's all you need to know about the clash between the German champions of 2024 and 2025 in our preview.

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FC Bayern are on a roll at the moment: since the beginning of February, the German record champions have celebrated seven wins from seven competitive matches - some of them emphatic, such as the recent outstanding 6-1 first-leg victory at Atalanta in the Champions League. However, Vincent Kompany is aware that this run can't be taken for granted against the only other remaining German participants in the competition, Bayer 04 Leverkusen: "It'll be a game that will be good for the fans, but not easy for FC Bayern," said the head coach in the pre-match press conference and demanded: "We'll have to be aggressive if we're to get a result." The Werkself's 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Arsenal during the week had shown that Leverkusen are "difficult to break down" - and was also "perfect" for reminding the Munich side of the difficulty of the task ahead.

The facts on the clash at Bayer 04:

However, the Bavarians have won their last three matches against the Werkself in all competitions - not least thanks to the goals of Harry Kane, who could well return to action in Leverkusen after a two-game break. "If he's able to, he'll play," revealed Kompany and warned that "we can't afford to let up" in the current phase. So it's also important that FC Bayern have an experienced man up their sleeve for the current shortfall in the goalkeeping position. Sven Ulreich will deputise for the injured Manuel Neuer (muscle tear) and Jonas Urbig (concussion) on Saturday - his first time back between the posts in around a year and a half. "Sven is a great character" explained board member for sport Max Eberl: "We didn't flinch for a second; he'll do as well as the other two." Kompany added: "We've already won a lot of games with him and aim to do so again tomorrow." 

Read the key statements from the press conference here:

The opposition: Bayer 04 Leverkusen

The strong performance against Arsenal in the Champions League has boosted Leverkusen's confidence. "We played really well against top opponents and didn't allow them too many chances," summed up head coach Kasper Hjulmand after the final whistle, believing that "with another great performance, we could progress" against the hot favourites. So the situation in the current Champions League campaign is quite positive from Leverkusen's point of view. However, the Rhinelanders are currently doing less well in the battle for a Champions League spot for next season's competition. Bayer 04 have claimed just one win in their four most recent Bundesliga games (two draws, one defeat), and the total of just 15 points from ten games in 2026 is not enough for the ambitious 2024 champions. The recent slump in form means the sixth-placed team are currently three points off fourth place, which would entitle them to return to Europe's premier club competition next autumn.

Check out the analysis of our upcoming opponents:

It's now all about "winning games and moving up the table", said Hjulmand ahead of the clash with Bayern - the second top-class opponents in four days: "We played against one of the best teams in Europe. And I can now say the same about our next opponents: Bayern have a top team. And they're perhaps even more complete in the way they play than Arsenal. That's why we'll have to put in another top performance," continued the Dane.

Team news

Bayern didn't come through the brilliant victory in Bergamo during the week unscathed however. Alphonso Davies (pulled hamstring in his right leg), Jonas Urbig (concussion) and Jamal Musiala (painful reaction in the left ankle, which was injured last summer) all returned from the Champions League trip with injuries. Manuel Neuer and Hiroki Ito (both with muscle tears) are also still not ready to return.

Leverkusen will be without Alejandro Grimaldo, who is sitting out a yellow card suspension. Loïc Badé (thigh muscle), Arthur (syndesmosis tear), Lucas Vázquez (calf) and Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle ligament) are also still out. Keeper Mark Flekken is also still sidelined for Saturday despite returning to team training following his knee injury. However, striker Nathan Tella is fit again following a foot injury.

Test your knowledge of the fixture in our Matchday Quiz:

What the coaches say

Sven Ulreich will make his first competitive appearance in 539 days for Bayern at Leverkusen: