Bayer Leverkusen will have to pull themselves off the canvas when they tackle Kaiserslautern in the German Cup Final on Saturday evening.
Xabi Alonso’s side saw their hopes of a historic treble derailed on Wednesday when they were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Atalanta in the Europa League Final.
Although they have relinquished their invincible tag after losing for the first time in 52 games, they still have a chance to complete a domestic double.
Kaiserslautern, meanwhile, avoided relegation from Bundesliga 2, and though their best days may be behind them, they won’t be attending the Berlin showpiece simply to make up the numbers.
On paper, this appears to be a mismatch, but Cup Finals can sometimes defy logic.
Anyway, ahead of the Final, I have divulged a couple of value tips for you to sink your teeth into.
Bayer Leverkusen out for redemption
In many respects, Leverkusen’s performance against Atalanta was uncharacteristic, and they seemed rather flat on the night.
Of course, there is a burden on expectation which only ratchets up a level, and Leverkusen have usually delivered when the pressure has been on them.
But while the Europa League Final will perhaps be fondly remembered as the Ademola Lookman Final as the Londoner secured Atalanta’s first major piece of silverware in 61 years, Leverkusen never really looked like pulling off a trademark comeback, something we have become accustomed to seeing over the course of the season.
While I may have been guilty of underestimating Atalanta, Leverkusen will have been reeling, but they need to brush themselves down and make amends.
Alonso, who won the DFB Cup as a Bayern Munich player under Pep Guardiola in 2016, will be aiming to become only the second Spanish coach to lift the trophy.
Leverkusen, who were runners-up in the DFB Cup in 2020, are looking to lift the trophy for the first time in 31 years.
Kaiserslautern won’t allow themselves to be rolled over, but Leverkusen could prove to be too strong.
For my first pick, I’m leaning towards Leverkusen to win both halves which is available at a tidy 21/20 with William Hill.
Bayer Leverkusen to sew the game up with time to spare
As mentioned, Leverkusen will feel like they have a point to prove or rather make up for the events of Dublin.
Perhaps there may have been some question marks over Leverkusen’s starting line-up, although some players will be returning from injury.
Anyway, you should expect the likes of Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz to have a big say in the Final.
Instead of gravitating towards my usual scorer pick, I’ve leaned into the timing of the last goal, which could be in the 46th-60th minute range. If you wish to follow up on that, Betway has dished up an inviting price of 13/2.
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