Round 24, March 1, 2025
Eintracht Frankfurt prepares to host Bayer Leverkusen at Deutsche Bank Park on March 1, 2025 during a match which promises significant consequences and thrilling action. Both teams have limited time between February 27, 2025 and the upcoming match against Germany’s top two attacking teams. Frankfurt pursues top-four status by focusing on their attacking strength while Leverkusen fights to defend their title position with multiple challenges from their demanding season schedule.
Leverkusen lost their first home fixture against Frankfurt (2-1) on October 19, 2024, which ended their successful nine-match unbeaten record at BayArena against their opponents. The double-goal milestone from Omar Marmoush carried Frankfurt’s latest win over Leverkusen after Dino Toppmöller had taken over as coach. The team from Frankfurt faces Leverkusen at home while the visitors navigate through Champions League fixtures against Inter Milan before the clash.
The report focuses on the teams’ background details while analyzing their current momentum and identifying crucial players with a look at their team strategies to provide an all-inclusive prediction for the upcoming match. The clash of styles will start when Leverkusen brings matches based on possession while Frankfurt relies on quick counterattack moves. The contest between Frankfurt at their home field and Leverkusen’s defensive strength will decide the outcome of the match. This Bundesliga matchup at the loud Deutsche Bank Park may shape the essential turning point of the 2024-25 season while providing Leverkusen an opportunity to reach European competition.
Team Overview: Eintracht Frankfurt
The Bundesliga team Eintracht Frankfurt unveiled themselves as a dominant force during the 2024-25 season by combining their fresh and experienced talents under Dino Toppmöller’s leadership. Eintracht Frankfurt secured a sixth-place finish in the past year but now occupy third position with 39 points in 23 games despite their +16 goal difference ranking second-best in the league. Their home victories stand at 2.33 points per game with 2.2 scoring average and 1.3 conceded goals per game at Deutsche Bank Park.
Toppmöller implements the 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation that depends on dangerous counterattacks through a pressure defense of 11.5. Omar Marmoush holds the position of top goal scorer in the Bundesliga with his 15 goals combined with 7 assists. The central area of play remains stable between midfielders Hugo Larsson and Ellyes Skhiri who achieve 2.1 key passes and 2.3 tackles respectively during matches. Tuta and Robin Koch along with central defenders protect the goal area as the team allows only 1.4 goals per match (league rank sixth). At the same time, winger Ansgar Knauff and Junior Dina Ebimbe create attacking spaces by extending the defenders.
The fifth-place finish in Europa League group play with 16 points has stretched Frankfurt but their backup players have ensured performance consistency. The team takes 12.8 shots per game (Bundesliga fourth ranking) and scores 14.1% of their attempts because of their accuracy in finishing. The defensive organization of Frankfurt defense permits 11.2 shots per game which provides opportunity for Leverkusen attackers to capitalize on. The home matches for Frankfurt show their offensive orientation through their 64% BTTS statistics indicating both teams frequently score goals.
The Eagles demonstrated their potential for growth by winning four games in their recent five matches and earning a 3-3 draw against Bayern in October. The match against Leverkusen will depend on Marmoush’s superb performance combined with the home-field advantage the Deutsche Bank Park offers which has produced only two defeats this season. The team stands to gain Champions League qualification with a win yet they must demonstrate steady performance versus their leading competition.
Team Overview: Bayer Leverkusen
As head coach Xabi Alonso guides Bayer Leverkusen through their championship season towards another Bundesliga title in 2023-24 by achieving an unbeaten campaign with 28 victories alongside 6 draws. Leverkusen occupies second position in the Bundesliga standings with 46 points after 23 games while holding an all-time worst beginning for defending champions that dates back 12 years to when they only earned 11 points during their first six matches. This team shows remarkable endurance in their away games through averaging 2.0 points along with 2.1 goals scored per match and allowing their opponents to score 1.1 times.
With this 3-4-2-1 formation Alonso achieves high possession (55%) and vertical attacking style for 14.8 shots per match which ranks second in the league. Boniface Victor leads the attack with 12 goals and 5 assists although Patrik Schick scores 15 goals for the team while Florian Wirtz contributes with 8 goals plus 10 assists. Defensive players Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo team up for 6 goals and 12 assists by using their positions on the flanks while Granit Xhaka leads play with 7.8 passes into the final third each game. The center-back pairing of Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba gives Bayer 04 Leverkusen the third-best defensive goal-concession rate of 1.0 goals per game. Nevertheless their recent six-game season showed they need improvement when defending against counters.
Champions League duties—eighth with 16 points—stretch Leverkusen’s squad, with Inter Milan midweek a concern. The rotational system of Alonso combined with the deep players Amine Adli and Nathan Tella allows the team to function effectively. The team successfully scores in 90% of matches but their lead collapses last season totaled 12 instances while their +1.5 shot differential demonstrates their dominant attacking style.
Leverkusen faced a bitter defeat in October from Frankfurt which brought an end to their 10-match winning streak at home against Frankfurt. Leverkusen now seeks to win back their momentum during an opposing team match in an unfavorable environment. .moody Wining this match would strengthen Bayern’s position in the top spot while a loss could spark honest concerns about their chances for dominance.
Historical Context
Competitive matches between Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen occurred 44 times with Leverkusen securing 27 victories while Frankfurt won 14 games apart from 3 draws. The matches between these teams result in 3.48 goals on average and BTTS has occurred in 64% of their matches since they show clear signs of offensive potential. Leverkusen achieved nine consecutive home victories up until Frankfurt defeated them 2-1 in October 2024. The Deutsche Bank Park produces a small advantage for Frankfurt who earned victories in eight matches while Leverkusen still carry the May 2024 defeat of 5-1.
The team from Leverkusen completed a double success in the previous season by beating Frankfurt 3-0 at home and 5-1 away from home while Boniface together with Wirtz and Grimaldo exposed Toppmöller’s defense. Frankfurt won in October 2024 with Marmoush scoring both goals against Leverkusen who left their defense susceptible due to their high defensive position. Bundesliga’s 78 meetings between these teams have never ended with a draw thus confirming the series’ reputation for exciting matches.
This competition reached new heights when Leverkusen scored ten goals in the games played last season and Frankfurt led 4-1 in 2018. Salva Marmoush has scored three goals to Leverkusen in two matches and Jonathan Tah Boniface has netted four goals in three games. The winning outcome of matches commonly depends on the number of set pieces Leverkusen executes successfully (38%) and quick transition-based counterattacks Frankfurt creates (six goals scored this season).
The recent results favor Leverkusen who have won four matches in five encounters but Frankfurt maintain an unbeaten home record of three games after giving way to Leverkusen in May. The upcoming match between Frankfurt and Leverkusen represents a historical battle between the resurgent Frankfurt team against Leverkusen’s established championship status as the October previous win strengthens the Eagles’ confidence. Both teams should battle intensely and VfB Stuttgart seem destined to produce multiple goals based on their offensive traditions.
Current Form
The club heads into March 1 with exceptional match performance. Frankfurt remained undefeated by collecting three wins and two draws in their previous five matches until they faced Bayern who defeated them with a 4-0 result on February 23. However, the 2-0 victory against Freiburg on February 15 demonstrated their solid depth as Ekitiké and Marmoush scored goals. The same team has accumulated three victories while drawing once and losing once in their most recent five matches across all tournaments by scoring 11 goals and allowing defenders to score 8 times. Home matches have produced three wins and one draw along with nine goals and mere three concessions as Frankfurt establish an impervious defenses that Leverkusen must overcome.
Leverkusen’s momentum is steadier. The February 15 victory with two goals at Holstein Kiel pushed their record to five consecutive matches without defeat (three wins and two draws). The last five matches saw Bayer Leverkusen score ten times and give up four goals while Bayern Munich drew them 1-1 on February 8 apart from their previous results. Away matches have brought Leverkusen continuous wins that showcase seven scored goals and two allowed goals until Inter potentially drains their players despite 1,800 minutes played by ten starters.
Leverkusen outpaces Frankfurt when it comes to goals added (+23 vs +16) though their offensive firepower (2.2 goals per match) surpasses Frankfurt (1.9). Defensively Leverkusen logs a secure 1.0 goals allowed while Frankfurt allows 1.4 goals per game. Scoring occurs in approximately three out of four matches for both teams which indicates positive goal potential. The Europa League draw between Frankfurt and Viktoria Plzeň in 2-2 featured gritty displays (February 20) alongside Leverkusen’s Champions League performance (2-1 victory against Salzburg on February 18) which demonstrated superior quality.
Leverkusen maintains their competitiveness through multiple players on the bench yet Frankfurt maintains its strength from home games paired with the absence of a midweek match. The match features Frankfurt pushing for their peak performance at home while Leverkusen maintains consistent results which could result in a draw or a narrow victory for either side.
Key Players to Watch
The star of the Frankfurt team according to Frankfurt is Omar Marmoush who scores 15 goals and makes 7 assists because of his 3.2 shot average and his October double against Leverkusen. Hugo Ekitiké (12 goals) supports Marmoush by delivering 2.8 dangerous shots each match which vex opposing defensive teams. Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson provides control of the game with his 2.1 key passes while defender Hugo Larsson makes 2 goals and 4 assists alongside goalkeeper Kevin Trapp who maintains solid play with his 73% save rate.
The captain of Leverkusen Patrik Schick currently holds the team leader position with 15 goals after scoring at a clip of 0.50 goals once per shot demonstration last May when facing Frankfurt. Confirming his defensive prowess is Florian Wirtz since he completes 2.5 key passes in every match while providing 8 goals and 10 assists. The offensive threat emerges from left-back Alejandro Grimaldo who scored three goals and made seven assists while goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký maintains a 76 percent success rate.
The crucial showdowns in this match will be Marmoush versus Tah and Schick competing against Koch. While Frankfurt advances with speed, Leverkusen elevates games with their innovative play until Wirtz brings his strategic thinking into the mix.
Tactical Analysis
Frankfurt operates a 4-4-2 formation by using Marmoush and Ekitiké to counterattack after maintaining a high percentage of ball possession (46%) during opposing team pressure. Larsson and Skhiri combine for 6.4 tackles in defense as they guard a back four by pushing wide with Kristensen and Theate while achieving 12.8 shots per game. Their six counterattack goals during this season succeed by attacking high defensive zones while Leverkusen’s 3-4-2-1 formation creates voids between Frimpong and Grimaldo. A PPDA rating of 11.5 indicates Frankfurt presses forwards aggressively but the 11.2 shots allowed by Frankfurt open up space for Leverkusen offensively.
The 3-4-2-1 formation of Leverkusen holds onto the ball for 55% of possession time as Xhaka distributes the ball 7.8 times into the final third to set up Wirtz and Boniface/Schick. The 4.2 dribbles from Frimpong and Grimaldo generate 14.8 shots each time they combine on field. Leverkusen maintains a high press with a PPDA of 10.9 but opponents take advantage of -0.2 net shots to create scoring opportunities as the team gave up 12 goals in their first six matches. A 38% successful aerial defense presents a risk when facing Frankfurt’s 42% aerial success.
The Frankfurt wingers will challenge Leverkusen’s full-backs as Knauff rushes past Frimpong while Leadhar and Wolf compete with Xhaka and Tah. Leverkusen maintains control of the ball more than 60% of the match to press Skhiri’s gaps but Frankfurt counters with Marmoush’s 1.8 dribbles challenging Tah’s defensive segment. Set piece opportunities (Leverkusen with 4.6 and Frankfurt with 4.4) are equal but the prolonged matches may stress the Leverkusen defensive pressure thus providing at least minor advantages to Frankfurt.
Leverkusen will startensively while Frankfurt defensive positioning with intent to counter-attack. A tight, tactical affair—goals likely both ends.
Statistical Insights
Frankfurt secures home victories with an average of 2.33 points while scoring 2.2 goals and facilitating the opposition to field only 1.3 goals. Leverkusen away: 2.0 points, 2.1 scored, 1.1 conceded. BTTS occurs in 64% of the H2H matchups and 60% of Frankfurt home fixtures but only 50% of Leverkusen away games. The total of 2.5 goals or more successfully occurs during 56% of their face-to-face matches. A significant statistical dissimilarity emerges as Leverkusen possess +1.5 shot differential while Frankfurt maintains +1.6 but Frankfurt shows superior conversion rates at 14.1% against Leverkusen’s 13.8%.
Studies reveal a total corner count of 9 when projecting the match involving Frankfurt (4.4 at home) versus Leverkusen (4.6 away). Cards (Frankfurt 2.2, Leverkusen 2.0) suggest discipline. Frankfurt’s 33% clean sheet rate at home trails Leverkusen’s 40% away, but both score in 75% of games. Data favors a 2-1 or 2-2 scoreline.
Predicted Lineups
Frankfurt (4-4-2): Trapp; Kristensen, Tuta, Koch, Theate; Knauff, Larsson, Skhiri, Ebimbe; Marmoush, Ekitiké. (Absences: None major.)
Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Hrádecký; Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié; Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Schick; Boniface. (Absences: None; Schick rotates in.)
The starting formation for Frankfurt remains unchanged as they play their Bayern XI while Leverkusen makes substitutions after Inter and Schick will play today.
Conclusion and Prediction
Frankfurt defends its home field against Leverkusen’s heritage of champions. The Deutsche Bank Park shows the passion of Frankfurt who have not lost their previous four matches yet Leverkusen maintains success in away matches with three victories. Frankfurt’s counters and Marmoush’s form challenge Leverkusen’s high line, but Alonso’s depth and Wirtz’s guile counterbalance fatigue.
Leverkusen’s October defeat remains painful while their 27-14 record advantage alongside 2.2 goals per game averaged during matches indicate status as the dominant team. Last season’s statistics reveal Frankfurt scored 64% of the time when both teams netted goals while Leverkusen surrendered their lead 12 times during matches. The 2-1 victory in favor of Leverkusen appears feasible based on these game dynamics. Wirtz will open the scoring for Leverkusen while Marmoush equalizes and Schick will provide the late winning goal.
