Bayer Leverkusen vs Barcelona, Champions League: Where to watch live, preview, betting odds and possible XI
Bayer Leverkusen need a result against reigning European champions Barcelona at the BayArena on 9 December to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Where to watch live
Kick-off is set for 7.45pm GMT. The game will be broadcast live on BT Sport Extra.
Overview
Bayer Leverkusen are third in Group E and must better second-placed Roma's result against BATE Borisov to qualify for the knockout stages. That is easier said than done as the Bundesliga side have finished on the losing side in their last six encounters with Barcelona.
Leverkusen defender Roberto Hilbert made his return from a knee injury in the defeat against Hertha Berlin in the weekend and may start against Barca. Lars Bender, Ryu Seung-woo (both ankle) and Tin Jedvaj (thigh) are all out of the clash through injury.
Barcelona's seven-match winning run in all competitions came to a halt at the weekend when they were held to a draw at Valencia. The Catalans have already qualified for the knockout stages and wrapped up top spot in Group E with a 6-1 thumping of Roma on matchday five.
The visitors have no fresh injury concerns. Defender Jeremy Mathieu (thigh) and midfielder Sergi Roberto (ankle) could both return from knocks.
What managers say
Roger Schmidt: "We did not deserve to win [against Hertha Berlin]. The fact that we were not fully awake from the very first minute is not acceptable, but I am the coach and I take responsibility."
Luis Enrique: "We had the better chances, but we were not able to finish [Valencia] off. We tried to close it out but we could not do it. In one counter they scored, I think we could have won but then that is the beauty of football."
Form guide
Bayer Leverkusen (all competitions): LDDWL
Last result: Hertha Berlin 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Barcelona (all competitions): DWWWW
Last result: Valencia 1-1 Barcelona
Betting odds (888sport)
Bayer Leverkusen win: 14/5
Draw: 29/10
Barcelona win: 7/8
Team news
Bayer Leverkusen possible XI: Leno; Donati, Tah, Ramalho, Wendell; Kramer, Kampl; Bellarabi, Brandt, Mehmedi; Hernandez
Barcelona possible XI: Ter Stegen; Alves, Vermaelen, Mathieu, Adriano; Rakitic, Samper, Roberto; Ramirez, Suarez, Munir
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