FC Copenhagen - Leverkusen 18-09-2025

Hjulmand on his old home turf?

Yes, it may be a bit strange to say, but Hjulmand's last job was as national team manager for Denmark, and here Parken was his "home ground." It was here that he achieved a lot of success and built a fortress that was difficult to break down, even for the best teams.

FC Copenhagen - best under pressure

FCK in Parken in important matches is a tough task for everyone. The last time there were Champions League nights here, opposition such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Galatasaray came by, and Parken was anything but an easy destination.
Recently, FCK delivered a weak performance in the derby against Brøndby and lost. Such matches live a life of their own, but there may also have been a bit of CL in the back of their minds.

Mattsson's absence : Magnus Mattsson is out, and it's noticeable in the space. He's one of those guys who can turn up between the lines, make the small touches that break the first pressure and fill the box in time. Without him, FCK will have to find other answers: narrower inside runners who step in the space, more responsibility on the false nine/drop, and even more obvious overlap from the back to create 2v1 wide. It must be there for FCK to threaten in the established.

What must succeed for FCK:

• Winning second balls centrally to keep Leverkusen out of rhythm.
• Have 3+2 in the remaining defense when they attack, so the counterattacks don't hit straight into the back.
• Be disciplined around your own penalty area, avoid cheap free kicks in shooting and cross position.

Leverkusen – new steering wheel man

Leverkusen are coming off a turbulent period: a lot of movement in the squad and a coaching change where Ten Hag disappeared and Hjulmand took over. Such changes provide energy, but also a bit of loose structure in the first few weeks. They are also missing Palacios centrally, who normally ties a lot together in both recovery and rhythm control.

Last time they won 3-1, and that despite a red card after half-time. What was striking was that the goals did not come from pure open play, their dead ball threat is real, and the delivery from the left side is often dangerous. FCK must be smart: not give away unnecessary free kicks and corners, and be clear about the distribution of roles in the first and second zones.

What characterizes Leverkusen now:

• Flex between 3-4-2-1 and 4-3-3, especially in full-back/wing-back positions.
• Quick breaks through half space, they thrive when they get wide pressure and can break in behind FCK's defenders.
• Clear box threat on posts and cutbacks: marking + clearing return space must be done.

Keys in the fight

• The midfield space without Palacios: FCK should dare to overpopulate the inner corridors and run into Leverkusen's anchor. Then they will get breaks higher up the pitch and a short distance to the goal.
• Press triggers on the left: When Leverkusen play out to the left, FCK must lock off the turn back through the middle, force them out to the line and win the throw/free kick high.
• Set pieces for and against: Leverkusen are sharp in their deliveries. FCK must also exploit their own set pieces, especially with a heavy push on long crosses and runs from the weak side.
• The Parken factor: The intensity from the stands + FCK's discipline in structure is often enough to tip the margins in even periods.

Conclusion

I believe in few goals and an even match . Why?

1. FCK are normally solid at home, and without Mattsson they will probably prioritize balance and risk control more than pure progress.
2. Leverkusen is in the early stages under a new coach and without Palacios centrally, it could cause some disruptions in their rhythm, especially against an aggressive FCK pressure.
3. Both teams will be careful about giving away set pieces in dangerous zones, which is often what opens up such matches.

The margins will be small. If FCK can control second balls and the set piece space, they have a fair chance. If Leverkusen can set the pace in the half space and get enough crosses/free kicks, they might as well tip it their way.

Champions League at 18:45: FC Copenhagen – Leverkusen: Under 3 goals (Asian) (1.62)
Alternative
Champions League at 18:45: FC Copenhagen – Leverkusen: Draw (3.48)