FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 18/09/25

Danish side FC Copenhagen will kick-start their UEFA Champions League 2025 campaign on Thursday. They will take on Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in their opening match. The Danish side will play at home as they aim to stage a strong comeback after their latest derby defeat against Brondby.

On the other hand, things aren’t looking too good for Leverkusen. The side sacked Eric Ten Hag after three games officially under his guidance. Under the new manager, Kasper Hjulmand, the side started well with a 3-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the league.

FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen Best Bets

FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview

FC Copenhagen

The biggest setback for Copenhagen came with star midfielder Magnus Mattsson being ruled out of the entire season. It came because of an injury he sustained during the Champions League playoffs. On the other hand, Oliver Hojer remains unavailable as he recovers from his surgery. Meanwhile Jonathan Moalem continues his recovery from his hip injury. Despite the injury crisis, the side will be aiming to put up a strong fight against the German outfits. 

Bayer Leverkusen

The Bundesliga side, too, has its fair share of injuries. Exequiel Palacios is suffering from an adductor injury that he sustained during their match against Frankfurt. Aleix Garcia will be leading the charge in the midfield. Up front, the attack will rely heavily on the shoulders of Czech striker Patrik Schick.

Also Read: Lamine Yamal Injury Update: Will the Youngster Miss Newcastle United vs Barcelona Clash?

FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen Over/ Under Predictions

Total Goals Under 3.5 @ -275 as per BetMGM:

Even though Bayer Leverkusen are favoured to win, the prediction of under 3.5 goals makes sense. Leverkusen have been solid defensively away and rarely allow big scorelines against organised opposition. In their recent Bundesliga opener, they edged out Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 despite being reduced to nine men. They showed both attacking capability and defensive discipline.  

Copenhagen themselves will be trying to contain Leverkusen’s threats as they seek redemption after a disappointing loss to Brondby. From Copenhagen’s past home games vs German sides, history suggests that they are prone to tight matches rather than high-scoring affairs.  So Leverkusen may score one or two. However, the expectation is that the match won’t exceed three goals. 

FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen Player Picks

Patrik Schick to score anytime @ +145 as per FanDuel:

The fine scoring form of Patrik Schick keeps him a strong contender to score anytime in the game. The Czech striker was Leverkusen’s top scorer last season with 27 goals to his name across all competitions. He is heading into the game with a 3-1 win over Frankfurt including a penalty to his name. Hence, Schick is filled with confidence. As a result, the odds are stacked at +145 for him to score in the game.

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Youssoufa Moukoko to either score or assist anytime @ +150 as per FanDuel:

Moukoko has been a fine player for Copenhagen after his move from Borussia Dortmund. And he is determined to regain his lost glory. He has scored and assisted this season and is eager to go the distance. His attack from the wings makes him a strong contender to either score or assist anytime during the game. Moukoko will aim to press Leverkusen in the buildup phase, and the odds are +150 for the German attacker. 

FC Copenhagen vs Bayer Leverkusen Predictions

Despite it being a tight affair, the odds predict a slender win for the German side. While Copenhagen are a strong opponent, the Bundesliga side just might tip past the tie courtesy of their experience. 

Also Read: Trent-Alexander Arnold Injury Update: What Happened to the Real Madrid Star? Which Games Will He Miss?

Final Prediction: FC Copenhagen 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen

We predict a close contest between the two sides. Bayer Leverkusen should take the game away with a slender 2-1 win.

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.

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