PSG v Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League match preview
A look ahead to Wednesday night’s Champions League second leg tie at Parc de Princes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paris St- Germain have all but sealed their place in the last eight of the competition after a 4-0 rout against German outfit Bayer Leverkusen. Goals from midfield stalwart, Blaise Matuidi, a first Champions League goal for his new club from Yohan Cabaye and a brace from Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic ensured Laurent Blanc’s side were one step further into the next stage of the competition.
Ibrahimovic’s double also moved him one place behind Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo in this year's Champions League top scorers chart with 10 goals. The flamboyant striker is also top scorer in French Ligue 1 with 26 goals under his belt, nine clear of teammate Edinson Cavani. As well as succeeding in Europe, PSG also boast a sublime run of form in the league. Unbeaten in their last 10 matches, conceding just six goals in the process, PSG are eight points clear of second place AS Monaco with 10 games to go.
Meanwhile the same can’t be said for Bayer Leverkusen. Former Liverpool centre half, Sami Hyypia, now in charge at the BayArena, is now 90 minutes away from a humiliating exit from the Champions League, which he famously won with the Merseysiders in 2005 against AC Milan in Istanbul.
Leverkusen’s league form is less to be desired, winless in their last four and having won just three of their last 10 games. They currently sit third in the German Bundesliga, four points behind second place Borussia Dortmund and 24 points behind leaders Bayern Munich. On the back of this, Leverkusen will just be playing for pride in France, and security on a top four finish in their respective league will be their main objective.
KICK-OFF: 7:45pm
PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Bayer Leverkusen 0 PSG 4 (Matudi, Ibrahimovic 2, Cabaye)
STATS:
In six of PSG’s last seven Champions League games, there have been over 2 goals.
PSG are unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 Champions League games.
30 year old striker, Stefan Klebling is Leverkusen’s leading scorer with 10 goals this season.
Midfielder Simon Rolfes is Leverkusen’s leading scoere in the Champions League this year with three goals.
ODDS:
PSG- 2/5
Draw- 4/1
Bayer Leverkusen- 8/1
CLASSIC MOMENT:
PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s wonder strike against Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena in the first leg is one of the goals of this year competition that has caught everyone’s eye. The Swede’s second of the night was picture perfect after his left footed volley hit the top right hand corner of the net to make it 3-0 before half time.
LIVE ON TV:
Sky Sports 4, 7:45pm. Highlights Sky Sports 1 Thursday 12:15am.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments