Leverkusen faces Newcastle United this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in the sixth round of the UEFA Liga Campeões league phase. The game takes place at the BayArena, at Leverkusen, at Alemanha, starting at 5pm local time. Ambas teams are looking for points to advance to the round of 16, with Leverkusen in 17th place with eight points and Newcastle in 11th with nine.
Coach Kasper Hjulmand, from Leverkusen, is betting on a 3-4-2-1 formation to explore defensive solidity at home. Newcastle, led by Eddie Howe, opts for an offensive 4-3-3, aiming for quick counterattacks. The match marks the first meeting between the clubs since 2003, when Newcastle won both games in the group stage.
The live broadcast takes place on HBO Max, available to subscribers on Brasil and in other countries. Fãs can track real-time statistics through apps like Sofascore, which offer data on ball possession and shots on goal.
Initial formation of Bayer Leverkusen
The Bayer Leverkusen confirms the lineup with a focus on balance between defense and attack. Mark Flekken takes over the goal, protected by a line of three defenders.
- Goalkeeper: Mark Flekken
- Defense: Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé, Edmond Tapsoba
- Midfield: Robert Andrich (captain), Ibrahim Maza, Aleix García, Alejandro Grimaldo
- Attack: Malik Tillman, Ernest Poku, Patrik Schick
This configuration allows for quick transitions, with Grimaldo advancing down the left flank. The team has won its last two games in the competition without conceding a goal, including a 2-0 win over Manchester City.
Newcastle United lineups on the field
Newcastle aligns forces in midfield to control the pace of the match. Aaron Ramsdale returns to goal after injuries in the defensive sector.
The 4-3-3 formation prioritizes speed on the wings, with Bruno Guimarães dictating the game in the center. Lesões affect the cast, like Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope, apart from muscular problems.
Team history and motivation
Leverkusen arrive unbeaten at home in Champions League this season, with three wins in five games. The German team scored seven goals in the last two European matches, showing offensive efficiency.
Newcastle, in turn, has four wins in five matches in the recent Premier League, but stumbled in a 2-1 defeat to Marseille in the last round of the UCL. The English are looking for the top 8 for direct classification.
Referee Serdar Gozubuyuk, from Holanda, referees the duel, with an average of 3.58 cards per game in European competitions. Ambas teams record more than 2.5 goals in 60% of recent clashes.
Impactful injuries and absences
Exequiel Palacios, from Leverkusen, is out due to a groin injury, forcing adjustments in midfield. Ezequiel Fernández is doubtful due to a knee problem, while Lucas Vázquez has not been confirmed.
In Newcastle, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth and William Osula are suspended or injured, weakening the defense. Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope are also missing from the team, with coach Howe opting for tested reserves.
These absences change the tactical dynamics, with Leverkusen gaining an advantage at home due to the depth of the squad. The game could see more than 10 corners, based on season averages.
Featured tactical strategies
Leverkusen adopts high pressure from the opening whistle, aiming to recover the ball in the opponent’s half. Patrik Schick, top scorer with three goals in the UCL, leads the attack alongside Tillman.
Newcastle focuses on counterattacks, exploiting the speed of Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. Bruno Guimarães, with 74 creativity in evaluations, is a key player for decisive passes.
Leverkusen’s average ball possession is 58% at home, compared to 52% for Newcastle away. Chutes on goal must exceed 22 per team, according to statistics from similar games.
Where and how to watch live
The broadcast on HBO Max starts 30 minutes before the whistle, with pre-game analysis and comments in Portuguese. No Brasil, the signal is available via streaming without the need for open TV.
For those who prefer mobile, the UEFA app offers highlights and post-match video summary. Ingressos at the BayArena sold out quickly, with 30,000 fans expected.
Other options include online sports radio, such as ESPN Radio, for real-time narration. The Sofascore platform provides goal alerts and interactive statistics.
Players in focus in the confrontation
Aleix García, from Leverkusen, stands out with 79 creativity and 68 tactics in the last few games. The Spanish midfielder connects defense and attack with precision.
Bruno Guimarães, captain of Newcastle, ties in numbers with 74 creativity, but leads in tackles with 60.
Patrik Schick is looking for his fourth goal in the competition, while Harvey Barnes threatens from the wings with effective dribbling. Esses individual duels define the balance of the match.
Expectations for the final result
Leverkusen needs a victory to surpass Newcastle in the table and guarantee a place in the round of 16. A draw would benefit the English, who have nine points and are aiming for European consistency.
Forecasts indicate over 2.5 goals, with odds favorable to the over at bookmakers. The BayArena, with a capacity of 30,000, receives cold weather of 5°C, influencing the physical pace.
The confrontation reinforces the competitiveness of the league phase, with both teams depending on the result for playoffs. Fãs global audiences follow via streaming, expanding the reach of the event.
