How do Leipzig & Leverkusen stack up?

The upcoming Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen is a highly anticipated encounter between two teams that have undergone significant turnarounds this season. Both sides have recovered impressively from difficult starts to the 2025/26 campaign.

Bayer Leverkusen began the season poorly under new coach Erik ten Hag, suffering a heavy pre-season friendly defeat and an opening Bundesliga loss to Hoffenheim, followed by a dramatic 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen after leading 3-1. This led to the dismissal of Ten Hag. The club then appointed Danish coach Kasper Hjulmand, who has since guided the team to a strong run of form, with just one loss in ten matches across all competitions. Leverkusen now sits fourth in the Bundesliga and is in a position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

RB Leipzig also endured a troubling start, losing 6-0 to defending champions Bayern Munich in their opening match under new head coach Ole Werner. However, the team has rebounded strongly, winning ten of their next thirteen Bundesliga games to climb the standings and challenge near the top of the table, close behind Bayern Munich.

The match represents a clash between two in-form teams, with Leverkusen just three points behind Leipzig in the standings. Their pre-winter break meeting will be a key test to determine which side has made the more impressive season turnaround.