Matchday 3 of the 2025/26 Champions League group stage between Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) and PSG (France) will take place on October 21 at the BayArena in Leverkusen. Bayer vs. PSG: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Bayer
After changing their manager early in the season, Bayer, under Kasper Hjulmand, started the Champions League campaign with two draws, despite facing relatively modest opponents in Copenhagen and PSV. With no wins and just 2 points, the team sits 25th in the overall standings, outside the playoff zone. Bayer's winless streak in the Champions League now extends to four matches (2 draws, 2 defeats). However, it's worth noting that at home, Bayer has lost only one of their last seven matches in this European competition.
- The club has not scored more than one goal in 8 of their last 11 Champions League games.
- Bayer has won with a handicap (+1.5) in 6 of their last 8 matches in this tournament.
- The Germans have conceded in 5 of their last 6 Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Bayer (3-4-3)
Mark Flekken – Loic Bade, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba – Arthur, Alex Grimaldo, Ignacio Fernandez, Aleix Garcia – Eliesse Ben-Seghir, Kristian Koffi, Ernest Poku.
Defender Axel Tuanzebe, midfielders Malik Tillman and Exequiel Palacios are unavailable due to injuries. The participation of defender Jarell Quansah, midfielders Lucas Vazquez and Nathan Tella, as well as forward Patrik Schick, is questionable.
PSG
The club played the first two rounds of the Champions League as expected of the reigning champion. First, PSG thrashed Atalanta, then, despite significant personnel losses, they secured a comeback victory late in the away match against Barcelona. Thus, Luis Enrique's side is among the six teams that have not dropped points in the current Champions League campaign. Overall, the French have won five consecutive matches in this tournament, and PSG's scoring streak has reached eight games.
- PSG has scored in their last 7 away Champions League games.
- The club's uncompromising streak in this tournament extends to 16 matches (12 wins, 4 defeats).
- The team has won 6 of their last 7 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for PSG (4-3-3)
Lucas Chevalier – Willian Pacho, Illya Zabarnyi, Nuno Mendes, Achraf Hakimi – Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, Lee Kang-In – Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves are recovering from injuries. The participation of defender Marquinhos and forward Ousmane Dembele is questionable.
Referee
Jesus Gil (Spain)
Matches – 13 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Bayer vs. PSG
The opponents rarely produce dull matches in the Champions League, but they don't always deliver a goal fest either. For instance, the 3-goal mark was the limit in 6 of Bayer's last 7 games in this European competition. Specifically, at home, no more than 3 goals were scored in 11 of Bayer's last 12 Champions League matches. Moreover, in 6 of their last 7 home games in this tournament, we've seen a maximum of 2 goals.
PSG's games are generally more exciting, but away from home, their scoring is usually lower than at their home stadium. Four or more goals were scored in only two of the French team's last ten away Champions League matches. The absence of some key players, who have already made an impact in the Champions League, may also affect the spectacle. Notably, Bayer faces a similar issue.
Prediction – Total under 3.5 goals
