Augsburg Face a Tough Test Against Injury-Hit Leverkusen
So, let’s talk about this matchup between Augsburg and Bayer Leverkusen, because there’s quite a lot going on around this game, both on and off the pitch. As we head into this Saturday afternoon kickoff, Augsburg are stepping into the spotlight under interim head coach Manuel Baum. His return has added a bit of nostalgia and curiosity, because this will be his 86th competitive match in charge of the club after previously coaching them from late 2016 to spring 2019. It almost feels like a familiar face walking back into a room that hasn’t changed much—but the Bundesliga certainly has.
Historically, Augsburg have had a rough time against Leverkusen. Out of 28 Bundesliga meetings, only two have ever ended in Augsburg’s favour. And interestingly, both of those rare victories came in the 2022/23 season, which probably still feels like a small badge of pride for the Augsburg supporters.
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What makes this game even more intriguing is the lineup shake-up on both sides. For Augsburg, Baum has brought in three new faces to the starting XI. Kristijan Jakić and Alexis Claude-Maurice move into midfield, and Keven Schlotterbeck returns after serving a suspension. Not only is he back, but he’s also wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, thanks to an expanded leadership group within the squad. That’s a big moment for him, and you can imagine how fired up he’ll be.
On the Leverkusen side, fans were hit with unexpected bad news. Alejandro Grimaldo, who has been one of the standout performers this season with 13 goal involvements across all competitions, is unavailable due to a knock picked up in their midweek DFB-Pokal win over Dortmund. His absence is a massive blow, especially considering how influential he has been on the left. Malik Tillman will step in for him, which is a huge opportunity but also a big set of shoes to fill.
Statistically, this matchup is fascinating. Leverkusen are one of the Bundesliga’s best passing teams, boasting nearly 90 percent pass accuracy and strong possession numbers. They also rank second in the league for duels won. And yet, they have a surprising weakness: defending aerial balls. No team has conceded more headed goals than Leverkusen this season. Augsburg, on the other hand, are the league’s most dangerous team from crosses, having scored six goals from wide deliveries. That contrast alone sets up a very clear tactical tension.
Augsburg also bring tremendous physical intensity, ranking fourth in the league for high-speed runs. Leverkusen, by comparison, sit only in 17th in that category, which could become a factor as the match wears on.
So, with a returning coach, a reshuffled Augsburg lineup, an injury to a key Leverkusen star, and a clash of strengths and weaknesses on full display, this game carries far more depth than it appears at first glance. It feels like the kind of match where small details—an aerial duel, a risky pass, a moment of fatigue—could tip the balance either way.
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