The Bundesliga returns with a thrilling encounter as Bayer Leverkusen host Mainz 05 at the BayArena on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. This matchday 17 fixture kicks off at 20:30 local time and promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting ambitions for the season.
Defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen will welcome Mainz to the BayArena in their 17th league game. Leverkusen have turned their fortunes around massively and just at the right time. They are back in the title race and are now going head-to-head against Bayern.
Xabi Alonso’s men have found their mojo and are not dropping points anymore. The Black and Reds head into this game on the back of ten victories in their last 10 outings across all competitions.
Mainz on the other hand have been one of the most improved and impressive sides in the Bundesliga this season. From being a mid-table club to being a prime contender for a Champions League spot, they have certainly come a long way.
They have shown a lot of character and resilience and have taken down both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund this season. With six wins in their last seven games, the Carnival club sit at the fourth position in the standings.
Patrik Schick has been firing on all cylinders this season for Bayer Leverkusen. He has played a crucial role in turning the table around for the defending champions and bringing them back into the title race. The Czechia international is known for his consistency and serial goalscoring abilities.
Schick is one of the most in-form players in the world right now having scored six goals in his last two Bundesliga games, including a match-winning brace against Dortmund in the last game. He has a phenomenal scoring frequency of 52 minutes and is expected to be on the scoresheet against Mainz as well.
The last time the two teams played out a draw was back in 2021. Bayer Leverkusen have won four of their last six games against Mainz.
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1):
Hradecky (GK); Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo; Tella, Wirtz; Schick.
Mainz (3-4-2-1)
Zentner (GK); Jenz, Bell, Kohr; Caci, Sano, Amiri, Mwene; Hong, Lee; Burkardt.
