The latest instalment of the Bundesliga/Premier League rivalry takes place on the banks of the Rhine on Wednesday when Bayer Leverkusen attempt to block Manchester United’s path through to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Victory for United in the Group A clash would seal a spot in the knockout rounds with a match to spare and leave Leverkusen scrapping with Shakhtar Donetsk for second place.
While the clash of the national teams at Wembley last week showed Germany were a cut above England internationally, Premier League clubs have done better in this season’s duels in Europe.
United beat Leverkusen 4-2 at Old Trafford, Chelsea crushed Schalke home and away, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund shared a win apiece while Bayern Munich beat Manchester City.
Leverkusen have turned the Bayer Arena into a fortress, winning their last eight Champions League group games there, and will seek to redress the balance for the Bundesliga against a United side not firing on all cylinders despite a marked improvement in results since a poor start to the season.
They are one point behind United in Group A and victory would put them in the driving seat although a draw would actually send both clubs through to the last 16 should Shakhtar suffer a surprise loss at home to Real Sociedad.
{{/usCountry}}They are one point behind United in Group A and victory would put them in the driving seat although a draw would actually send both clubs through to the last 16 should Shakhtar suffer a surprise loss at home to Real Sociedad.
{{/usCountry}}Leverkusen are unbeaten in 13 home matches while United are enjoying a 10-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, even though their mood was soured by conceding a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Cardiff City on Sunday.