UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 3RD QUALIFICATION : SS.LAZIO VS BAYER LEVERKUSEN

It finally comes to this stage;The UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualification,which put a big match,probably the most exciting match in this qualification stage,between Italian Giant SS.Lazio toe-to-toe against Germany side Bayer Leverkusen. This match-up probably one of the least-meet combination,because history tells that these two only meet twice,UEFA European Cup 1998-1999 (It was named European Cup before later be changed into UEFA Champions League). The results were tie for both side,1-1 at Olimpico and 1-1 at Bay Arena. [b] LAZIO [/b] Lazio have finally come back to this very stage,the UEFA Champions League after being not featured since their last,2008/2009 season,during Delio Rossi's reign. But now,they are here,at the 3rd qualification stage. They came to this stage after almost hit the automatic-group stage ticket from their fierce rival,AS Roma. They lost the momentum and failed to get points in certain match,made Roma took the second,and even until the final match in 2014-2015 season,with an incredibly-win over Napoli,4-2,They still missed a point behind Roma. This 3rd QUalification for this stage is their fourth in their entire history. The last three,they won it. Their opponent,Bayer Leverkusen,is a very strong German-side. They have had an incredible season last year,before they were stopped by the mighty Juventus,which would be the finalist and lost miserably against Barcelona. Lazio have decent record against german side. The record of 4 Wins and 1 Draw is surely worried the German side. The last German club that visited Olimpico,went no point,defeated harshly,with an injury time goal. This day's Lazio is one of the strongest Italian side to be avoided in this stage. Manchester United and Valencia successfully avoided Lazio. Their lucky thing is Leverkusen's grief. Lazio is the second most productive team in serie A last season,with 71 goals,a goal behind Juventus,72 goals,and third best defense after Juventus and Roma,makes it worth to worry. They have lost more than a match this season,including a defeat against Juventus in Shanghai,for Supercoppa Italiana. Their strongest side is their dynamic play,led by 2 attractive and creative wingers Antonio Candreva and Felipe Anderson,and have a very dangerous Miro Klose. Klose have recognized Leverkusen,as he played several times against them,and most of them gave him a cheerful win. Their stronger side is their Mid. Last but not least,they rely too much on Stevan de Vrij,but they are pretty good to take on Leverkusen. Olimpico as the venue for the first leg will give an amazing advantage for the Italian side,since their record will be,without a doubt,extended. [b] BAYER LEVERKUSEN [/b] Bayer Leverkusen is the stronger side. They have a fantastic Champions League Campaign last season,reaching big 16 before being stopped by Juventus. Now they have come again,this time as the 4th ranking in Bundesliga,earned them a spot for the 3rd Qualification. Their opponent this stage is much stronger than any of their last season's opponent. Lazio have proven that they are worthy enough to be one of the 32 teams to hit the Champions League Group Stage. But Leverkusen should not be underistimated. Their campaign last season,and the fact that they have higher ranking in UEFA coefficient has given enough proof to make them slightly popular in this time. Leverkusen's coach said that the draw against Lazio was the worst draw ever,because it was just looked like an early knockout stage match. The coach had said that Lazio was much stronger this season. Felipe Anderson,Antonio Candreva,and even the veteran Miroslav Klose are the players to be looked and anticipated more than anyone else. Lazio striker,Miroslav Klose,is the Germany\s all-time goal scorer,with 71 goals,and even at the age of 37,he still looks dangerous,and his predatory skill should not be underistimated. [b] PREDICTION [/b] The match will come close since both club are strong side. But a close match doesn't mean the match will go on tie. My prediction,since it will be played in Olimpico Stadium,Rome,in favor of Lazio. The Match will end on Lazio win the match by a margin,or if both team use an open play,the match could be rained over 4 goals. Realistic Prediction SS. Lazio 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen Open Play Match SS.Lazio 3-1 Bayer Leverkusen