Bayer Leverkusen vs Sevilla 8 August 2026 Prediction

Sevilla traveled to Germany immediately after completing a training camp in the Netherlands. This will be the club’s final friendly before the competitive season begins. Bayer Leverkusen is also finishing the domestic stage of its preseason before heading to England for a series of matches. The German side appears to enter this meeting in better form.

Bayer Leverkusen Appoints Another Spanish Manager

Xabi Alonso set a high standard at Bayer Leverkusen, making Europa League qualification feel like an underwhelming result. Another managerial change followed, with Carles Martinez taking charge. The club has maintained tactical continuity by appointing another manager who prefers a system with three center backs. Leverkusen has spent its entire preseason in Germany. The team comfortably defeated three lower-division opponents by a combined score of 13-1 and also recorded a 4-0 win over Gent, which finished fifth in Belgium last season.

Bayer lost Alejandro Grimaldo this summer. The left wing-back was a key playmaker and the team’s primary set-piece taker. Miguel Gutierrez, who struggled to establish himself at Napoli, was recently signed as his replacement and could receive minutes in this match. All players who participated in the World Cup have returned and are available. Ibrahim Maza and Patrik Schick both scored in the latest 3-0 friendly win over Essen’s reserve team. New signing and highly rated prospect Kennet Eichhorn will miss the game because of a serious illness. Leverkusen is expected to field a strong lineup close to its first-choice team.

Sevilla Remains in a Difficult Position

Last season was Sevilla’s worst in 25 years. The team finished 13th in La Liga, only one point above the relegation zone. Luis Garcia took charge in March and helped the club avoid a worse outcome. Like Leverkusen, Sevilla defeated three lower-division opponents during preseason, although one of those victories came on penalties and the combined score was only 3-1. The team also lost 1-0 to Cracovia in Poland before responding with wins over NEC Nijmegen, 2-1, and Utrecht, 1-0, during its training camp in the Netherlands.

Sevilla is dealing with serious financial problems and has focused on player sales and low-cost additions. Akor Adams, the club’s leading scorer last season with 10 goals, is the only player sold for a fee so far, but the departures of Djibril Sow and Juanlu Sanchez are also expected to be confirmed soon. Patrick Mercado is the only incoming player who may significantly strengthen the team, but the midfielder has been injured since March and is not yet fully fit. Ruben Vargas missed most of preseason because of the World Cup but recently returned to training. With no other opportunity to gain match fitness before La Liga begins, he is likely to appear from the bench.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Sevilla Predicted Lineup

Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-3): Flekken; Bade, Tapsoba, Belocian; Vazquez, Fernandez, Garcia, Poku; Tella, Kofane, Moreira

Unavailable: Eichhorn, Ben Seghir (both injured)

Manager: Carles Martinez

Sevilla (4-2-3-1): Vlachodimos; Carmona, Sangante, Salas, Suazo; Guridi, Agoume; Sierra, Peque, Castillo; Romero

Unavailable: Marcao, Mercado (both injured), Pedrosa, Cardoso, Gattoni, Jordan, Ejuke (all not included in the squad)

Manager: Luis Garcia

Bayer Leverkusen vs Sevilla Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen to Win

Main prediction: The friendly format adds uncertainty, but Bayer Leverkusen currently has the stronger team. Sevilla returned from vacation earlier and has played more preseason matches, but the squad has also spent much of that period traveling. This game will again be played away from home. Leverkusen’s training camp is only around 100 kilometers from the city, giving the German side more familiar conditions. Sevilla remains in a difficult period, and its squad has weakened during the summer. Bayer lost Grimaldo, but its available lineup still has greater depth and quality. Our pick is Bayer Leverkusen to win.

Totals prediction: Leverkusen has been productive throughout preseason. Its high goal totals against lower-division teams were expected, but the 4-0 victory over a solid Gent side was more significant. Sevilla has scored in four of its six friendlies, including matches against NEC Nijmegen and Utrecht, and should have opportunities here as well. However, its defense now faces a much stronger attack than in previous games. Our pick is over 2.5 goals.