While VfL Wolfsburg are still looking for their first win of 2024, this weekend’s opponents Bayer Leverkusen remain undefeated this season – in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the UEFA Europa League. As such, it is clear to see who the favourites are ahead of the teams’ meeting on Sunday evening (kick-off 19:30 CET). There are, however, a number of reasons why the Green-and-Whites can be optimistic of finally returning to winning ways…
Facts and figures about the fixture
- The unbeatables: What does it feel like to lose? Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen players might well have forgotten by now, given that they have not tasted defeat in 35 games in all competitions.
- Home curse: The home team has failed to win any of the last 15 meetings between these two sides, with five draws and ten victories for the away team in that period. The last time the hosts won in this fixture was back on 1 April 2016 in Leverkusen; VfL also won at home that season.
- Impressive record: The Wolves have enjoyed their trips to Leverkusen in the Bundesliga of late, winning four of their last five visits there.
- Arnold’s favourite opponents:Maximilian Arnold has played against Leverkusen 19 times in the Bundesliga so far and has a record of seven wins, five draws and seven defeats. While that may seem unremarkable, his return in front of goal is quite the opposite: the VfL captain has four goals and three assists against Die Werkself - more than he has against any other side.
- Former employers: Niko and Robert Kovac turned out for a number of the same teams during their playing days – one of which was Leverkusen. The brothers were there together between 1996 and 1999, with Robert staying on for another two years after that.
