Bayer Leverkusen – 1. FC Köln

Bayer Leverkusen host 1. FC Köln in what promises to be a tightly contested clash, with both sides sitting on four points after three games. Leverkusen sit seventh in the table, boasting a superior goal difference of +3 after scoring eight and conceding five, while Köln languish in twelfth with a –2 margin from five goals for and seven against. The hosts will look to capitalise on their stronger attacking record to climb back into the European spots, whereas the visitors will be eager to improve their position and close the gap on the mid‑table. Their head‑to‑head this season has been evenly balanced, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a match that could prove pivotal for both campaigns.