After the game against Eintracht last Friday, Leverkusen had already announced that Exequiel Palacios would be sidelined until the end of the year. Nevertheless, the tension ahead of the first Champions League game of the season is"high", said sporting director Simon Rolfes before travelling to Denmark. The Champions League is"always something special".
To the match centre: FC Copenhagen vs. Bayer Leverkusen
In Copenhagen, the team of new coach Kasper Hjulmand, who is familiar with the Parken stadium from his time as Denmark's national team coach, will be aiming for their next success.
Last year's league phase showed"how important every game, every point and every goal can be," said Rolfes:"Every win helps. We're travelling there to win. Our clear goal is to progress."