Bayer Leverkusen All Out To End Barca Their Losing Streak

Bayer Leverkusen must end their six-match losing streak against reigning champions Barcelona on Wednesday if they are to have any chance of reaching the Champions League’s knock-out stages.

Leverkusen lost 2-1 at the Camp Nou in October, despite earning a shock lead, and want to avoid a repeat of the 6-1 pounding Barcelona dished out to Roma a fortnight ago when Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi ran riot in the home match.

Roger Schmidt’s Leverkusen face the uphill task of having to beat Barcelona and hope Roma drop points at home to BATE in Wednesday’s other game in order to leap the Italians in the group and snatch a place in the last 16.

Leverkusen’s captain Lars Bender faces a race to be fit as he tries to shake off an ankle injury.

The Germans are looking to reach the last 16 for the third year running, but have not won in Group E since beating BATE 4-1 in September.

“We’ll need to take all of the few chances which come our way against Barcelona,” said Leverkusen defender Omer Toprak.

Undefeated in Europe this season, Barcelona, coached by Luis Enrique, have already booked their place in the last 16 as group winners, while Leverkusen are third in the table.

Enrique is not likely to play a full-strength side having already won the group and the Spanish giants have a busy period coming up with the Club World Cup starting in Japan next week and league games over New Year.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi is likely to play in Leverkusen having looked short of match fitness after injury.

Dani Alves misses out due to suspension and Mathieu, Sergi Roberto, Douglas and Rafinha are all out due to injury.

Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to play having recovered from a knee problem to play with the Spanish giants on his home soil.

Barcelona are looking to finish the group stage without losing for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.