What shape are Leverkusen in before semi-final?

That being said, Leverkusen showed in their 1-0 win away at Borussia Dortmund just two games ago that the 2024/25 champions can get results. It was another example of Aleix Garcia & Co. causing issues for a big team. Vincent Kompany will no doubt look at those recent fixtures as he plans for victory at the BayArena.

Opposite number Kasper Hjulmand praised his team after that win for how they operated in possession. “We defended better, but the key was our own play. It’s really important for us that we play with the ball and pressure the opposition. We can do even better, but three points in Dortmund is obviously a great win for us,” the Dane said.

Leverkusen’s ability in possession is reflected in the numbers. They have a pass completion rate in the Bundesliga of 89 percent, only narrowly trailing Bayern (90.4 percent). Keeping the ball is also part of their game, averaging 57 percent of the league campaign. Again, Bayern are top of the charts there with 62 percent. Hjulmand wants his side to try and dictate proceedings.

The Werkself are at their most dangerous when they get forward in a quick and direct way. Prior to the weekend’s game against Augsburg they’d had the joint-most shots from counter-attacks in the Bundesliga with 43. Ten goals came as a result. The only team with more? Yes, Bayern with 12.

As Bayern have learned over their encounters with Leverkusen in recent years, Alejandro Grimaldo is the one to watch for the opposition. The Spaniard leads the way for goal contributions with a combined eight goals and seven assists this season. Patrik Schick was also on the scoresheet against Augsburg with a header. He’s scored four of his five Bundesliga goals in 2026 with his head, which is the most of any player in Germany’s top flight.

Leverkusen know how they want to play, have the numbers to back it up and have confidence from recent big games. They’re an opponent that Bayern will need to get under control if Kompany’s men want to progress to the DFB Cup final.

Read up on the stats ahead of the semi-final:

Key stats ahead of Bayern’s semi-final in Leverkusen