Bayer Leverkusen vs Nürnberg: Can the Visitors Turn Their Cup Ambition into a Statement?

Nürnberg travel to Leverkusen carrying a promotion campaign that has made them one of the more competitive sides in the 2. Bundesliga, but their latest setback gives this cup tie a different edge. Miroslav Klose’s team lost 1–0 to Kaiserslautern at the weekend, ending a run of 14 competitive matches without defeat stretching back to the previous season. Despite that loss, Nürnberg created numerous opportunities and remained second in the league standings before this fixture. Bayer Leverkusen have a different task: Carles Martínez’s side must respond to a 3–0 defeat away to Hoffenheim, which ended a six-match winning run. The BayArena offers an opportunity to reset, and Leverkusen’s strong home record provides a foundation for that response. Yet Nürnberg’s attacking quality means the hosts cannot treat this as a routine evening against lower-division opposition.

The tactical contest could be decided by how well Nürnberg survive Leverkusen’s pressure without losing their ability to counter. Leverkusen are likely to seek control through Aleix García and Ezequiel Fernández, while Ibrahim Maza and Malik Tillman can operate between midfield and the forward line. Patrik Schick offers a physical presence in the penalty area and has a strong record in home cup matches. Nürnberg, however, have demonstrated that they can create chances in volume, even when the final score does not reflect their attacking work. With Mohamed Ali Zoma unavailable after shoulder surgery, the visitors lose one of their leading scorers and a dangerous dribbler. Julian Justvan and Rafael Lubach could therefore carry greater creative responsibility, while Piet Scobel gives Klose a central attacking option. Nürnberg must choose their moments carefully: pressing too high could expose space behind their defence, but sitting too deep would invite sustained pressure.

Leverkusen’s recent history in this competition gives the hosts another reason to take the tie seriously. The club reached at least the semi-finals in each of the previous three seasons and will want to maintain that standard. Their last DFB-Pokal meeting with Nürnberg came in August 1993, when Leverkusen won 3–0; their more recent competitive encounter was a 2–0 Leverkusen victory in April 2019. The hosts have also won six of the clubs’ last seven competitive meetings. Those records favour Leverkusen, but the current squads and circumstances are different, and a single-match knockout tie leaves little room for complacency. Nürnberg advanced from the first round by beating Viktoria Köln on penalties after a 1–1 draw, while Leverkusen defeated Wehen Wiesbaden 4–0. The contrast in those opening-round performances underlines the difference in comfort, but it does not eliminate the possibility of a difficult contest if Nürnberg defend with discipline and take their opportunities.

The pre-match comments have been respectful rather than dismissive. Martínez praised Klose’s work and highlighted the attacking quality within Nürnberg’s team, while expressing his desire to progress in front of Leverkusen’s home supporters. Klose has openly acknowledged that Leverkusen are favourites, pointing to their Bundesliga quality and experience of playing through busy schedules, but he also believes his players are ready for the occasion. Personnel will influence the contest: Leverkusen have confirmed that Moussa Diaby and Loïc Badé are sidelined following injuries sustained against Hoffenheim, while Nürnberg have concerns surrounding their defensive options. The visitors’ ability to stay organised when Leverkusen accelerate the tempo may be just as important as their attacking creativity. For Leverkusen, a composed start and better defensive coordination are priorities after the weekend defeat. For Nürnberg, this is a chance to test their progress against elite opposition without abandoning the principles that have made them competitive this season.

❗ Squad Fitness and Confirmed Absences

These tables prioritise named injuries and availability concerns documented in the clubs’ pre-match information. They do not represent final starting teams, and a doubtful player should not automatically be treated as ruled out.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

1. FC Nürnberg

Accuracy note: Leverkusen officially confirmed Diaby’s thigh injury and Badé’s concussion and laceration on 26 October. The club’s opponent preview confirmed Zoma’s absence and described Otto’s fitness concern. Additional names above come from published pre-match team-news reports, not a complete official medical bulletin for either club. Recheck the clubs’ final updates before treating any questionable player as definitively unavailable.

🟢 Probable Matchday Selections and Key Roles

The following are projected lineups based on available pre-match coverage. They are not confirmed starting XIs. Official team sheets should replace these projections when released.

Bayer Leverkusen — Probable XI

Nürnberg — Probable XI

📌 Match Facts Before Kick-Off

• Competition: DFB-Pokal, second round, 2026–27 season.
• Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026.
• Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany.
• Kick-off: 20:45 local time in Germany (19:45 UTC).
• Leverkusen in round one: Beat Wehen Wiesbaden 4–0.
• Nürnberg in round one: Drew 1–1 with Viktoria Köln after extra time and progressed 5–4 on penalties.
• Key battle: Leverkusen’s midfield control against Nürnberg’s ability to break forward and create chances.
• Selection watch: The availability of Nürnberg defender Fynn Otto and Leverkusen’s returning or injured players may influence the final lineups.