Leverkusen aim for early group victory
Bayer Leverkusen are now aiming to win their group ahead of time. A point in the penultimate group game at Swedish cup winners BK Häcken, who are still without points, on Thursday in Gothenburg (21:00/RTL+) would guarantee the Bundesliga leaders first place in the preliminary round. This would avoid the play-offs against a team relegated from the Champions League and secure them a place in the round of 16.
Coach Xabi Alonso will again rotate his squad, having made five or six changes to his Bundesliga squad in previous European Cup matches. Nevertheless, the 18th win in the 19th competitive match of the season should be achieved. The Swedes are actually already in the winter break. Their last game of the season took place on November 12. In Sweden, the season is played over the course of the calendar year.
Bayer Leverkusen's aim to win their group early in the Europa League is bolstered by their upcoming match against Swedish cup winners BK Häcken, who are yet to earn any points. A victory in this Thursday's game in Gothenburg (21:00/RTL+) would secure Leverkusen's group leadership and bypass the play-offs, setting them up for a place in the round of 16. Even though BK Häcken are currently in their winter break, having played their last game on November 12, Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, plans to rotate his squad in the European Cup, aiming for the 18th win in 19 competitive matches this season.
Source: www.dpa.com
