Carles Martinez feels that Bayer Leverkusen should have earned more points in the Bundesliga but emphasizes that his team is unified and focused as they prepare to face RB Leipzig.
Following an initial defeat to Elversberg, Leverkusen secured a victory against Union Berlin and managed to draw 2-2 with Augsburg after leveling late in the match.
They head into the upcoming match on a high note, having recorded a 2-0 win over Celje in the Europa League earlier this week.
Martinez is eager for his team to continue this positive momentum going into the international break.
“We’re feeling confident after our midweek victory,” Martinez stated. “We believe we deserved more from our league matches, but that’s part of the game. We are dedicated to improving as a team, all working towards the same goal.”
“There are numerous aspects that give me hope for our success. It’s a process, and we need to recognize that things aren’t always black and white. Establishing consistency is crucial.”
Step by step #B04RBL pic.twitter.com/aCpG2xBW0z
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 18, 2026
On the other hand, Leipzig currently holds one more point than Leverkusen, having achieved significant victories over Borussia Monchengladbach and Hamburg, despite a loss to Werder Bremen.
They also suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League but bounced back with a commanding 5-0 win over Hamburg, leading Martinez to anticipate a challenging encounter.
“Leipzig is a formidable side with skilled players,” Martinez remarked. “We’ll give our best effort.
“Playing at home, we expect an electric atmosphere. Our goal is to celebrate together at the end of the match.
“We need to demonstrate passion and energy throughout every minute of the game.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bayer Leverkusen – Patrik Schick
Schick has made history by scoring in each of the initial three matchdays of a Bundesliga season, a feat last achieved for the club by Stefan Kiessling in 2009-10, who scored in the first five matches of that season.
RB Leipzig – Antonio Nusa
Nusa is among five players with four goal involvements this Bundesliga season (two goals, two assists). In a 5-0 victory against Hamburg, Nusa registered his first match with three goal involvements.
We’ve had plenty of memorable moments in Leverkusen pic.twitter.com/SxOYNr36y7
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) September 17, 2026
MATCH PREDICTION: BAYER LEVERKUSEN WIN
Leverkusen has scored two or more goals in their last seven Bundesliga matches against Leipzig, with only one loss in that stretch (5 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), a close 3-2 defeat at home in August 2024.
They have a chance to secure their first four-match unbeaten streak against Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
This season, Leverkusen has won just one of their last five league matches (a dominant 4-0 victory against Union Berlin in their previous home game, with two draws and two losses), mirroring their start from last year with four points from the first three matches.
Conversely, Leipzig has achieved six points from their initial three Bundesliga games this season (2 wins, 1 loss), consistent with their performance last year.
Notably, Leipzig has scored nine goals in their first three matches this season, a marked improvement compared to their three goals during the same period last year, and only Freiburg has scored more in this timeframe (10 goals).
However, Leipzig is struggling with a three-match away losing streak in the Bundesliga, having previously endured a longer streak of five matches without an away win between April and August 2021.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Bayer Leverkusen – 46.3%
Draw – 23.3%
RB Leipzig – 30.4%
Fan Take: This match is significant not just for the teams’ standings but also for the fans, as a win for Leverkusen could boost their confidence and set the tone for the remainder of the season. The rivalry with Leipzig adds excitement to the Bundesliga, highlighting the competitive nature of German football, which fans eagerly anticipate.
Source: www.soccernews.com
