This Friday, 28th March 2025, the BayArena will host a clash between Bundesliga polar opposites: high-flying Bayer Leverkusen, currently second in the table, welcome struggling VfL Bochum, who sit 16th in a desperate battle against relegation. This match promises to be a classic case of attack versus defence in Germany’s top flight.
A Tale of Two Teams
Bayer Leverkusen arrive in imperious form, having netted 59 goals in 26 matches – the second-best attacking record in the Bundesliga, trailing only Bayern Munich. Defensively solid too, they’ve conceded just 1.3 goals per game, making them the fourth-stoutest backline in the league. Their +26 goal difference perfectly encapsulates their balanced excellence under Xabi Alonso.
Meanwhile, VfL Bochum face a relegation dogfight with the league’s worst defensive record (53 goals conceded) and an attack managing just 1.0 goal per game. Their -27 goal difference – the division’s poorest – highlights their season-long struggles.
Key Statistical Insights
- Shooting dominance: Leverkusen rank second for total shots (368 in 26 games) while Bochum face 334 opponent shots (13th most conceded)
- Shot differential: Leverkusen’s +154 shot margin (+5.9 per game) dwarfs Bochum’s -34 deficit (-1.3 per match)
- Defensive resilience: Alonso’s men allow just 8.2 shots per game (2nd best) compared to Bochum’s 11.5 faced (6th worst)
Star Performers to Watch
Bayer Leverkusen
- Florian Wirtz: 9 goals & 12 assists in a sensational season
- Patrik Schick: 17-goal striker (2nd in Bundesliga scoring charts)
- Victor Boniface: 7 goals & 2 assists despite injury setbacks
- Jeremie Frimpong: Flying full-back with 4 goals & 4 assists
VfL Bochum
- Myron Boadu: Top scorer with 7 goals & 1 assist
- Matus Bero: Creative hub (4 goals & 2 assists)
- Philipp Hofmann: Target man with 2 goals from 32 shots
- Felix Passlack: Provider of 4 assists from right-back
What to Expect?
All signs point to a Leverkusen masterclass against Bochum’s leaky defence. However, with relegation-threatened sides often producing shock results, might Thomas Letsch’s men spring a surprise? One thing’s certain – Leverkusen’s attacking firepower makes them overwhelming favourites.