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Match Preview & Prediction
Bayer Leverkusen is under new management after a tumultuous start for Gerardo Seoane in 2022-23 that saw the Bundesliga outfit embark on their worst start to a domestic season in over forty years. A return to the Bundesliga for former Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso has already born fruit when the Spanish tactician guided the club to a 4-0 thrashing of FC Schalke 04 at the Bay Arena this past weekend in what was his full managerial debut after cutting his teeth with Real Sociedad B.
Leverkusen looked a very much improved version of themselves, with Moussa Diaby and Jeremie Frimpong leading the charge in an impressive attacking duopoly on the right side of Alonso’s XI, and many will come into proceedings tomorrow night confident and bolstered by a new-found belief.
Porto ran out as 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture last week at the Estádio do Dragão, with both sides desperate for three points in a three-way tie for second in group B with surprise group leaders Club Brugge one win away from ending the group stage on top, with Leverkusen and Porto still having plenty to play for.
The tactical changes already instituted by Alonso could really throw a spanner in the works for the Portuguese side and give them additional considerations they had not dealt with previously, especially a back three which can directly counter forward pair Mehdi Taremi and Evanilson, while increased effectiveness out wide by the Germans, particularly down their right-hand side, could prove vital again as it did at the weekend.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 FC Porto
