Our prediction for this Europa League match:
Qarabag
Match Time & Date:
07/03/2024
18:45
Prediction: 0-2
Bayer Leverkusen
High-flying Bayer Leverkusen will be aiming to give fans yet another reason to celebrate when they face Qarabag in the Europa League last 16, first leg. The BayArena outfit are leading the chase for the Bundesliga title, but they have big ambitions for the Europa League playoffs as well. Even though key attacker Victor Boniface remains on the sidelines with a long-term injury, we are tempted to put our money on the in-form Xabi Alonso’s troops.
In Boniface’s absence, Patrik Schick will continue leading the line for the away side. The Azeri, on the other hand, survived Braga in the double-header to set up a meeting with Bayer Leverkusen. Qarabag are on a three-game winning run in the national championship and despite their signs of improvement up front, we are going to bet on the Bundesliga leaders this time out. There are no fresh injury worries in the home team ahead of the first leg, but Elvin Cafarquliyev misses out through suspension.
Highlighted Player (Alex Grimaldo):
Alex Grimaldo is a Spanish footballer who plays for Portuguese side Benfica as a left back. Born in Valencia on September 20, 1995, Grimaldo started his youth career at his hometown club FC Valencia, but in 2008 Barcelona scouts brought him to Camp Nou.
The 171-cm-tall footballer scored six goals in 92 appearances for Barca B before joining Primeira Liga club Benfica in the winter of 2015. Alex Grimaldo made his debut with the Eagles on January 26, 2016 in a 6-1 win at Moreirense in the Taca da Liga. Speaking of his Primeira Liga debut, Grimaldo played his first league game for Benfica on February 29, 2016 in a 2-0 win over Uniao Leiria.
The Benfica defender has two caps for Spain U21 team, but he has yet to make his debut with the senior team. His main position is left-back, but he is capable of producing fine performances as a left winger as well.
Highlighted Team (Qarabag):
Over the years Qarabag have established themselves as one of the best teams in Azerbaijan. The club was founded in 1951 and they were playing under the name of Mehsul back then. Qarabag won their first trophy in the national championship in 1993, beating Khazar Sumgayit in the title game.
In the 2015/2016 season they won their fourth domestic trophy, with the team finishing the season 22 points clear of second-placed Zira. Qarabag participated in the 2016/2017 Champions League qualifiers, but they were more than unfortunate to suffer a loss to Viktoria Plzen in the two-legged tie. The Azerbaijan outfit were beaten by the Czechs on away goal rule and, as a result, they made it to the Europa League playoffs.
Thanks to a win over Goteborg in the double-header Qarabag made it to the knockout stages of the competition. The Horsemen play their home games at Azersun Arena and their home colours are black. Qarabag play their away games in white kits.
Brentford 
Arsenal 
Juventus 
Milan
Nice 
Rennes
Valencia 
Real Madrid 
Tottenham 
Newcastle
Aston Villa
Leicester
