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Bayer Leverkusen have experienced a turbulent few months, marked by dramatic changes both on and off the pitch. After Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, Erik ten Hag briefly took charge but lasted only three official matches. A humiliating 5-1 preseason defeat against Flamengo’s U19 side set the tone, and tensions quickly grew. Players reportedly struggled to adapt to his tactical approach, and the disconnect led the club to make a swift managerial change — a decision Ten Hag later described as “incomprehensible.”
Since then, the arrival of Kasper Hjulmand, the former Danish international, has steadied the ship. Under his guidance, Leverkusen have yet to lose. They began their Bundesliga campaign with a 3-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by a Champions League opener that ended in a 2-2 draw away to FC Copenhagen. A 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach kept their unbeaten record intact ahead of a league trip to St. Pauli on September 27.
PSV’s Mixed European Start
PSV Eindhoven, meanwhile, entered the group stage with high expectations after finishing second in the Eredivisie and strengthening their squad over the summer. However, their opening Champions League clash against Union Saint-Gilloise ended in frustration.
Despite dominating possession with 63% of the ball, Peter Bosz’s side struggled to break down their Belgian opponents. USG were more clinical, hitting on the counter repeatedly and registering 18 shots. PSV trailed 3-0 by the 90th minute before Ruben van Bommel salvaged a late consolation goal. Domestically, PSV sit second in the Eredivisie with 13 points and will face Excelsior in their next league fixture.
Team News and Key Absences
Leverkusen continue to battle injury concerns. Young forward Sarco and former Rennes attacker Martin Terrier are still sidelined, while Argentine midfielder Exequiel Palacios faces a long recovery and has not been registered for the group stage. Veteran Jonas Hofmann is also excluded from the European squad.
The summer transfer window brought major departures, including Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Piero Hincapié (Arsenal), and Victor Boniface (loaned to Werder Bremen). Even so, the squad retains quality with Patrick Schick, who has already scored three league goals, and Alejandro Grimaldo, who has added two of his own.
For PSV, Bosz must cope without Brazilian full-back Mauro Júnior and French forward Alassane Pléa, both ruled out long-term. Right-back Siltillia, a France U21 international, is also unavailable, along with striker Myron Boadu. On the positive side, new arrivals have stepped up. Goalkeeper Matěj Kovář, signed from Leverkusen, is expected to start, while Van Bommel — who has three league goals plus one in Europe — continues to impress. Ivan Perišić has been instrumental as well, registering five assists in the Eredivisie, showcasing the creativity that once made him a World Cup finalist with Croatia.
Match Outlook
Leverkusen boast an imposing home record in the Champions League, winning 18 of their last 21 games at the BayArena. Their ability to combine solid defense with sharp attacking transitions makes them difficult to beat, particularly in front of their own fans.
PSV, by contrast, have struggled in European away fixtures. They have lost six of their last eight Champions League matches on the road, raising doubts about their ability to cope with the intensity of a team like Leverkusen.
Prediction
With their strong home record and improved stability under Hjulmand, Bayer Leverkusen are well positioned to secure a valuable group-stage win. PSV’s attacking threats may produce moments of danger, but their shaky away form could prove decisive.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3 – 1 PSV Eindhoven
