Bayer Leverkusen – Newcastle United: Verticality Versus High Pressing (2-2)

Kasper Hjulmand's side showed their abilities in possession and their flexibility against the ball here, while Newcastle's high pressing and dangerous crossing game helped them get back into the game after going behind. Álex Grimaldo's excellent late equalizer was a fitting finish to this intriguing game.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Bayer Leverkusen caused one of the upsets in the last Champions League matchday, beating Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. That result helped them into the Champions League top twenty-four coming into this game. Newcastle meanwhile arrived to Leverkusen just a point ahead of their opponents, having lost in Marseille last time out in this competition.

Kasper Hjulmand's side lined up in a 3-4-3 shape with a back three of Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, and Edmond Tapsoba. Arthur and Álex Grimaldo were the wing-backs, with Ibrahim Maza and Aleix García in midfield. Malik Tillman and Ernest Poku then supported Patrik Schick up front.

Meanwhile Eddie Howe's side used their usual 4-3-3 system as Tino Livramento, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, and Lewis Hall made up the back four. Sandro Tonali was joined in midfield by Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, while the front three comprised Harvey Barnes, Nick Woltemade, and Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle's mixed pressing success

Howe's side are a high-pressing team, and this game was no different, as they set out to disrupt Leverkusen's buildup from the start. From their initial 4-3-3 shape, Newcastle would often move into a temporary 3-5-2 shape when pressing, in . . .