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Match Preview for Bayer Leverkusen v Bochum
Bayer Leverkusen know there can be no slips-ups as they attempt to chase down Bayern Munich and defend their Bundesliga crown.
Xabi Alonso’s men were no match for Bayern in their Champions League round of 16 tie, the Bavarians winning 5-0 over two legs, but their league form has been very consistent.
Indeed, their only defeat since September came in their last home game when Werder Bremen were surprising 2-0 winners at the BayArena. That setback brought an impressive response, though, with Leverkusen winning 4-3 at Stuttgart despite being 3-1 down with half an hour to go.
That sort of comeback characterised their title-winning campaign and it ought to invigorate the side over the remaining eight games as they look to bridge the six-point gap to Bayern.
Can't wait to be back home 😍#B04BOC 🔜 pic.twitter.com/5TkZqmaN7F
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 26, 2025
Alonso will be aware of Bochum’s capacity to shock, however.
Dieter Hecking’s side have won just two of their last nine league games but they were two notable victories – at home to Borussia Dortmund and at Bayern Munich.
They currently sit in 16th place, which if they stay there means they would compete in the relegation playoffs.
Staying up has an added significance for Hecking with Bochum announcing this morning that Bundesliga survival would see him handed a new two-year contract.
“Bochum is a great club, I have mentioned this many times and see it confirmed every day,” he said. “We are on the right track, but not yet at our destination. Currently, my entire focus is on staying up. This scenario is the only one I am currently dealing with, we are all working towards this goal together in the club – the team, the coaching staff and the staff, the employees, of course also the fans. And I firmly believe that we can do it.”
Team News for Bayer Leverkusen v Bochum
Leverkusen are likely to be without Nathan Tella and Edmond Tapsoba.
Winger Tella may be back for the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Arminia Bielefeld but centre-half Tapsoba is fighting to be fit for next weekend’s game against Heidenheim.
Bochum have a major doubt around defender Bernardo. He missed last week’s defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt through suspension but is now struggling with a niggling knee problem.
Hecking told WAZ: “Unfortunately, Bernardo has knee problems, which makes us a bit worried.
“He had Achilles tendon problems and now he has knee problems. It’s going to be tight for Friday. There’s a good chance he won’t play.”
Key striker Myron Boadu is set to start after proving his fitness with a goal in last week’s friendly with Preussen Munster.
Predicted line-ups for Bayer Leverkusen v Bochum
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Mukiele, Tah, Andrich, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo, Palacios; Schick
Bochum: Horn; Oermann, Ordets, Medic, Wittek; Passlack, Bero, Sissoko, Krauss; Boadu, Hofmann
How to watch Bayer Leverkusen v Bochum: TV and online stream
The game can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports Mix from 7.20pm. Kick-off is 7.30pm.
It can be streamed on Sky Sports Go or via the bet365 app or website.
Stats for Bayer Leverkusen v Bochum
- The reverse fixture finished in a 1-1 draw
- Leverkusen were convincing winners in both games last season, 4-0 at home and 5-0 away
- Bochum have lost nine of their 13 Bundesliga games away from home this season
Prediction
Leverkusen showed last week they are still fighting for the title and we think they will be too strong for Bochum.
The visitors are a much better side under Hecking but Leverkusen are a formidable opponent at the BayArena and they ought to close the gap to Bayern to three points ahead of Saturday’s fixtures.
Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 Bochum
