Bayer Leverkusen head into the ultimate day of the Bundesliga season realizing victory is crucial if they’re to maintain alive their hopes of securing Champions League soccer after they host Hamburger SV on the BayArena on Saturday.
Leverkusen took to their official X channel to announce their remaining Bundesliga dwelling match of the 2025-26 season in opposition to Hamburger SV at BayArena on Could 16, 2026, calling it “one final take a look at.”
Die Werkself have endured a troublesome finish to the marketing campaign, together with a disappointing Champions League Spherical of 16 exit in opposition to Arsenal and a dangerous 3-1 Bundesliga defeat to Stuttgart final weekend. That end result left Leverkusen sixth within the standings, three factors behind each Hoffenheim and Stuttgart, that means something lower than three factors on the ultimate day will affirm a Europa League end.
Even victory might not be sufficient until outcomes elsewhere additionally go of their favour. The strain surrounding the membership has elevated additional because of uncertainty over head coach Kasper Hjulmand’s future, with reviews suggesting the Danish supervisor might depart regardless of solely taking cost final 12 months.
Hamburger SV, in the meantime, arrive with far much less strain after efficiently securing their Bundesliga standing because of consecutive victories over Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg. Head coach Merlin Polzin has obtained widespread reward for guiding the membership to survival following promotion, and the guests at the moment are aiming to complete the season strongly with a 3rd straight win.
Regardless of Hamburg’s current enchancment, historical past strongly favours Leverkusen. HSV have gained solely one in every of their earlier eight conferences in opposition to Die Werkself and have managed simply three objectives throughout these encounters.
With Champions League qualification hanging within the stability and uncertainty surrounding the membership’s future course, Leverkusen know solely a convincing efficiency and three factors will preserve their hopes alive on the Bundesliga’s dramatic remaining day.
Group Information
Bayer Leverkusen stay with out Martin Terrier because of a hamstring damage, whereas Christian Kofane is uncertain after struggling a shoulder difficulty in opposition to Stuttgart. Nathan Tella additionally faces a late health take a look at due to a muscular drawback.
Patrik Schick is anticipated to steer the assault after scoring 9 objectives in his final seven Bundesliga appearances, together with a hat-trick in opposition to RB Leipzig.
Hamburger SV could possibly be with out Robert Glatzel after the striker missed coaching this week, whereas Alexander Rossing-Lelesiit has suffered a setback in restoration from a syndesmosis damage.
Nicolas Capaldo and Miro Muheim are each anticipated to function regardless of current health issues.
Potential Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen attainable beginning lineup:
Flekken; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Culbreath, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Poku; Schick
Hamburger SV attainable beginning lineup:
Heuer Fernandes; Capaldo, Vuskovic, Omari; Jatta, Remberg, Sambi Lokonga, Gronbaek; Vieira, Konigsdorffer; Stange
Methods to Watch
| Channel | Area | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| BBC | United Kingdom | 14:30 BST |
| StarTimes | Nigeria Africa | 14:30 WAT |
| ESPN | USA | 09:30 ET |
Match Predication
Softfootball predicts Die Werkself to win 3-1.
Leverkusen are below immense strain, however their superior high quality and residential benefit ought to assist them safe victory. Hamburger SV could compete bravely.
