Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Match preview and team news

A pivotal Champions League showdown takes place at the BayArena on Wednesday night as Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United meet.

Both sides are vying for a coveted spot in the top eight of the league phase standings. The German champions currently sit 17th in the table with eight points. Meanwhile, the Magpies are just one point ahead in 11th. With only two points separating Newcastle from the automatic Round of 16 qualification spots, a victory for either side could prove decisive.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Wednesday, 10 December 2025
Kick-off: 8:00 pm GMT
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük (NED)
VAR: Rob Dieperink (NED)
Last Meeting: Newcastle 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen, 26 February 2003, UEFA Champions League

Team News

Bayer Leverkusen

Kasper Hjulmand is expected to deploy his marquee summer signing, Jarell Quansah, in a back three alongside Loïc Badé and Jeanuel Belocian. The manager will be without influential midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who remains sidelined with a groin issue. In his absence, Aleix García and Ibrahim Maza are set to anchor the midfield. Up front, Patrik Schick is likely to operate centrally, flanked by the pace of Christian Kofane and Malik Tillman as Leverkusen look to exploit Newcastle’s high line.

Newcastle United

Eddie Howe continues to navigate a busy schedule without first-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope, meaning Aaron Ramsdale will retain his place between the sticks. The defensive unit is expected to feature Fabian Schär and Malick Thiaw in the centre. Further forward, Bruno Guimarães has been a standout performer despite the team’s inconsistent season. In attack, Nick Woltemade is a “certain inclusion” to lead the line, supported by Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga on the wings.

Form

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen’s European form has been impressive, highlighted by a 2-0 victory over Manchester City on matchday five where goalkeeper Mark Flekken made nine saves. That win was their second consecutive Champions League victory without conceding. However, their domestic momentum hit a snag on Saturday with a 2-0 loss to Augsburg. Despite this, recent history against English opposition is promising; they have won two of their last three Champions League games against Premier League sides.

Newcastle United

The Magpies travel to Germany in decent spirits, having taken seven points from their last three Premier League games. However, their Champions League away form remains a concern; they have won just one of their five away games in the competition since their return in 2023. They will need to be alert from the first whistle, although fast starts have been their speciality; Newcastle have scored three goals in the opening 20 minutes of Champions League games this season.