{"id":1426432,"date":"2026-01-26T12:44:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T12:44:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1426432"},"modified":"2026-01-26T12:44:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T12:44:37","slug":"match-preview-bayer-leverkusen-vs-villarreal-28-01-26-champions-league","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-bayer-leverkusen-vs-villarreal-28-01-26-champions-league\/","title":{"rendered":"Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal: predictions, stats, tips &#038; odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/bayer-leverkusen\/\">Bayer Leverkusen<\/a> will be eyeing a crucial three points as they host a struggling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/villarreal\/\">Villarreal<\/a> side, with both teams looking to address glaring defensive issues in this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/champions-league-tips\/\">Champions League<\/a> showdown. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kick-off is set for 20:00 on Wednesday at BayArena, where Leverkusen&#8217;s superior attacking record and Villarreal&#8217;s worrying form set the stage for a potentially high-scoring affair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-bets-amp-predictions\">Best Bets &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on Leverkusen&#8217;s attacking efficiency and Villarreal&#8217;s defensive fragility, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We&#8217;re particularly confident in a home victory given the stark contrast in both teams&#8217; recent results and overall output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Our Prediction<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Odds &amp; Bookmaker<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Confidence<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Why We&#8217;re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Bayer Leverkusen to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">4\/7 @ Bet365<\/a><br>(63.6%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">We are backing Leverkusen to win because they boast the best attacking record in their group (10 goals in 7 matches) while Villarreal have failed to win a single game, conceding 15 in the process. Leverkusen average more goals than their xG (10.38) suggests, whereas Villarreal have badly underperformed on their own chances.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Over 2.5 Goals<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">4\/7 @ Bet365<\/a><br>(63.6%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">There could be value here due to both teams&#8217; defensive struggles: Leverkusen have conceded 14 goals in 7 games (2 own goals), while Villarreal have shipped 15 with zero clean sheets. Both teams&#8217; matches average over 2.5 goals, so a high-scoring result is likely.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><hr \/>\r\n<h2>SpreadEx Sign-Up Offer:\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n<p>SpreadEx are offering new customers the chance to get \u00a360 in free bets when they join and place \u00a310 in qualifying bets.<\/p>\r\n<p>To claim this offer, follow these steps:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Create your account by clicking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/spreadex?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this link<\/a> or the image below.<\/li>\r\n<li>Register for your account by adding your details. It only takes a few minutes.<\/li>\r\n<li>Make your first deposit then place a \u00a310 single or \u00a310 each-way fixed odds bet at minimum odds of 1\/2<\/li>\r\n<li>Get 3 x \u00a310 free fixed odds bets, 3 x \u00a35 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x \u00a35 Winning Favourites spread bets on consecutive days and a \u00a31 racing Race Index spread bet<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1393518\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-1024x523.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-1024x523.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-768x392.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-400x204.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-392x200.png 392w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-118x60.png 118w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-150x77.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86-40x20.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/08\/06142720\/image-86.png 1338w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\r\n<div class=\"bookmaker-review\">\r\n<div class=\"bookmaker-review__bet\">\r\n<div class=\"warning\">\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Spread betting losses can exceed deposit. 18+ www.gambleaware.org. Place a \u00a310 fixed odds single or \u00a310 each-way bet at minimum odds of 1\/2 and get 3 x \u00a310 free fixed odds bets, 3 x \u00a35 Total Goals football spread bets and 3 x \u00a35 Winning Favourites spread bets and a \u00a31 racing Race Index spread bet. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n<hr \/><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Season Form &amp; Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal have endured contrasting campaigns so far. Leverkusen sit mid-table after 7 matches, while Villarreal have endured a torrid run, sitting near the foot of the standings with just one point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Team<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pos<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">P<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">W<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">D<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">L<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GF<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GA<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GD<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Bayer Leverkusen<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">20<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">3<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">2<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">10<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">14<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-4<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Villarreal<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">35<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">6<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">15<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-10<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Alejandro Grimaldo<\/strong> (Leverkusen): The midfielder leads his side for both goals (3) and big chance assists (17) in 7 appearances. His influence is further underlined by his 14 accurate passes per match and a shot accuracy of 33.3%. Grimaldo is the main creative spark, responsible for set pieces and key attacking moves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aleix Garcia<\/strong> (Leverkusen): Provides tempo and control from deep, with an outstanding 91.7% pass accuracy. While less of a direct goal threat, his ability to dictate play and supply corners (16 this season) is pivotal to Leverkusen&#8217;s approach.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi<\/strong> (Villarreal): Despite limited minutes (309 out of a possible 630), the striker is Villarreal&#8217;s top scorer (2) and has contributed three big chance assists. However, his conversion rate (25% shot accuracy) and passing (62.2%) highlight room for improvement up front.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SquawkaBet\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"114\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1024x114.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1415389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1024x114.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-300x33.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-768x86.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1536x171.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-400x45.jpg 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-600x67.jpg 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-538x60.jpg 538w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-150x17.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-40x4.jpg 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1.jpg 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Head-to-Head<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This will be the first competitive meeting between Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal since 2016, where the two met in the Europa League. With this game taking place 10 years ago, it&#8217;s hard to glean any real information from their head to head record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Can Leverkusen Take Advantage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Leverkusen boasting the group\u2019s most dangerous attack and Villarreal showing little sign of stemming the defensive leaks, this match looks set up for a home win. The German outfit\u2019s balance between midfield creativity and attacking output, especially through Grimaldo and Garcia, should prove decisive against a Villarreal side that have underperformed at both ends. Our strongest tip is <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Leverkusen to win at 4\/7 (63.6%) with Bet365<\/a> \u2013 a fair reflection of the gulf in form and firepower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-top-stories\">\n        <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Squawka Suggests<\/h2>\n        <div 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                           <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/squawkanews\/\"\n                                   class=\"sq-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Squawka News                                <\/a>\n                                <time class=\"sq-card__label\">11 hours ago<\/time>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bayer Leverkusen will be eyeing a crucial three points as they host a struggling Villarreal side, with both teams looking to address glaring defensive&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":427,"featured_media":1426431,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal, predictions, stats, tips, betting offers, odds, European football","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal: predictions, stats, tips & odds","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get the Squawka Bet predictions, stats and betting tips ahead of the Champions League match between Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal on Wednesday 28 January.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"news-category":[],"class_list":["post-1426432","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal: predictions, stats, tips &amp; odds<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Get the Squawka Bet predictions, stats and betting tips ahead of the Champions League match between Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal on Wednesday 28 January.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, 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