SCHICK IN KILLER MODE! CAN BOCHUM SHOCK LEVERKUSEN'S IMPREGNABLE FORTRESS?
Bayer 04 Leverkusen – VfL Bochum 1848
March 28th, 2025
For Bochum, there is no more difficult away trip in the Bundesliga. VfL have lost their last four matches at Leverkusen, failing to score in three of them.
Although Bayer are six points behind the top of the table, their season has been exceptionally successful. With 56 points after 26 rounds, they're having the second-best season in club history. At the other end of the spectrum is Bochum, who with 20 points and a -25 goal difference are experiencing their second-worst season in the top flight.
Hope for Bochum may lie in their current away form. VfL are unbeaten in three away games for the first time since returning to the Bundesliga in 2021 and have even won two consecutive away matches for the first time.
The clash will offer an interesting battle of playing styles. Bochum are masters of direct football – averaging the fewest passes per possession but advancing forward the fastest. Leverkusen, on the other hand, rely on careful combination play.
Attention will be focused on Czech striker Patrik Schick, who with 17 goals ranks second in the scoring table behind Harry Kane. Schick also excels in incredible efficiency – no one in the top 5 European leagues needs fewer minutes to score a goal than him (just 69 minutes).
Leverkusen's defensive rock is Jonathan Tah, who is set to play his 300th Bundesliga match. The German international dominates in aerial duels and is among the league's most accurate passers.
Slovak midfielder Matúš Bero from Bochum has found career-best form in recent weeks. He became the first player from the club since promotion to contribute to a goal in three consecutive away matches.
The visiting coach Dieter Hecking has an exceptionally positive record against Leverkusen. Not only is he unbeaten against Bayer in their last three mutual encounters, but he has defeated them 12 times in the top flight overall.
We thank OPTA for providing the statistical data.
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