Bayer Leverkusen have secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages, a testament to their impressive form this season. The team advanced after a goalless draw against Olympiacos, successfully defending a two-goal lead established in the first leg.
Despite the achievement, midfielder Robert Andrich voiced a clear preference regarding their next opponent. He openly stated he’d rather avoid a clash with fellow German giants Bayern Munich, even if it meant potentially facing Arsenal.
Andrich’s reasoning isn’t about fearing a specific team, but a desire to see German football represented strongly in the competition. He believes keeping German clubs separate for now would benefit the nation’s overall presence in the Champions League.
His teammate, Jonah Hoffman, echoed this sentiment, suggesting a German-German tie feels premature. He playfully expressed a preference for Arsenal, envisioning the excitement of a two-legged affair between London and Leverkusen.
A potential matchup against Arsenal would rekindle a rivalry from 2002, when the two sides last met in the Champions League group stage. That year, Arsenal convincingly defeated Leverkusen at Highbury, but it was Leverkusen who ultimately advanced to the later rounds alongside Deportivo La Coruña.
Arsenal, currently enjoying an undefeated run in the league stage with eight wins from eight, would be considered favorites should they draw Leverkusen. Their dominant form, including a notable victory over Bayern Munich, suggests they are a force to be reckoned with.
Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, however, isn’t shying away from the challenge. He welcomed the prospect of facing Arsenal, highlighting the opportunity to reunite with former players Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie.
Rolfes, like Andrich, acknowledged the general preference to avoid domestic clashes in the Champions League. The allure of international competition lies in facing diverse opponents and experiencing different footballing cultures.
The draw will ultimately determine Leverkusen’s fate, but the players have made their wishes known. The anticipation builds as they await their next challenge in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
