Bayer Leverkusen will go into the DFB Pokal second round tie against SC Paderborn 07 as heavy favourites.

The DFB-Pokal’s second round features one of its most lopsided matchups on paper as 2. Bundesliga contenders SC Paderborn welcome Bundesliga heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen to the Home Deluxe Arena on Wednesday night. While the hosts have been in sparkling form in Germany’s second tier, they face a daunting test against one of the country’s most potent attacking sides.

Ralf Kettemann’s side enter this clash on a wave of momentum, having won six consecutive matches across all competitions. Their recent 3–1 victory over Viktoria Köln in the first round of the Pokal showcased their attacking verve, while their league form has propelled them to second place in the 2. Bundesliga with 23 points — just one behind leaders Schalke 04. With automatic promotion firmly in sight, confidence is understandably high within the squad.

Paderborn have been particularly impressive in front of goal, scoring at least twice in each of their last five matches, and their fluid attacking structure has been central to their success. However, the defensive numbers tell a different story. After keeping three consecutive clean sheets, they have now conceded in three straight games, underlining vulnerabilities that could prove costly against top-tier opposition.

The challenge before them is immense, not only have they drawn Bundesliga opponents in each of the last three DFB-Pokal seasons, but they also suffered a 3–1 defeat to Leverkusen in the round of 16 last season. Still, Paderborn will be encouraged by their strong home form, having won their last three matches at the Home Deluxe Arena. Kettemann’s men will need to combine defensive discipline with attacking bravery if they are to stand any chance of causing an upset.

Bayer Leverkusen arrive in Paderborn in fine form, having registered a 2–0 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday. It was a performance that underlined both their attacking precision and improving defensive balance, Leverkusen created four big chances while restricting their opponents to just one shot inside the box during the second half.

Manager Kasper Hjulmand deserves credit for the team’s attacking consistency this season. Die Werkself have scored 10 goals in their last four games and eight in their last three, reflecting their ability to find solutions across multiple competitions. However, despite their recent defensive solidity, Leverkusen have managed only three clean sheets in 12 matches so far, a figure Hjulmand will hope to improve as they continue to juggle domestic and European commitments.

Currently fifth in the Bundesliga with 17 points, Leverkusen remain very much in the hunt near the top of the table. Although they trail Bayern Munich by seven points, only two separate them from second-placed RB Leipzig. More encouragingly, they have won three of their last four matches and suffered just one defeat in their previous ten fixtures, the 7–2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

On their travels, Leverkusen have been reliable. They remain unbeaten away from home in 2025–26, winning three and drawing two of their five road fixtures. A win in Paderborn would mark their third consecutive away victory, further emphasizing their consistency under Hjulmand.

SC Paderborn are expected to stick to their high-tempo 4-3-3 setup, relying on quick transitions and aggressive pressing to unsettle Leverkusen’s rhythm. Their best chance will come through forward combinations and exploiting spaces behind Leverkusen’s advanced full-backs. However, their defensive line will have to be exceptionally compact to withstand the visitors’ sustained attacking waves.

Leverkusen, on the other hand, will likely deploy their fluid 3-4-2-1 structure, with wing-backs pushing high to stretch the opposition and midfielders interchanging positions to dominate possession. Hjulmand’s side are expected to dictate tempo, using their technical superiority and movement to overwhelm Paderborn’s press. The key battle could emerge in midfield, where Ezequiel Fernández and Aleix García will look to control transitions against Paderborn’s energetic engine room. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.

Team News & Tactics

SC Paderborn

Paderborn enter this DFB-Pokal encounter with a clean bill of health and no suspension issues, allowing manager Ralf Kettemann to field his strongest possible starting eleven. The coach will be encouraged by his team’s attacking rhythm and recent six-game winning streak but will also be aware that facing a Bundesliga giant like Bayer Leverkusen demands tactical discipline and defensive focus.

At the heart of Paderborn’s attack, Steffen Tigges is expected to start as the central striker. The former Borussia Dortmund man will look to use his physicality and aerial ability to unsettle Leverkusen’s defence. Kettemann will rely heavily on Filip Bilbija and Nick Bätzner to provide creative support during counter-attacks, both players capable of exploiting open spaces left by Leverkusen’s advanced full-backs.

In midfield, Mika Baur and Santiago Castañeda are likely to start as the central pairing, offering energy, pressing intensity, and passing control. Defensively, Kettemann may opt for a three-man backline to provide additional protection against Leverkusen’s potent forwards, with Mattes Hansen, Felix Götze, and Tjark Lasse Scheller forming the core of the defensive setup.

Ralf Kettemann is expected to set his side up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, designed to maintain compactness while enabling quick counter-attacks. Dennis Seimen will retain his place in goal, protected by a defensive trio of Mattes Hansen on the right, Felix Götze as the central defender, and Tjark Scheller on the left. Their primary task will be to contain Leverkusen’s fluid forward movements and close down central spaces.

On the flanks, Laurin Curda is expected to operate as the right wing-back, with Raphael Obermair featuring on the left. Both will need to balance their defensive duties with forward surges to support transitions. In central midfield, Mika Baur will anchor play alongside Santiago Castañeda, with both tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball into attacking areas efficiently.

Further up the pitch, Filip Bilbija and Nick Bätzner will occupy the advanced midfield positions, drifting between the lines to link play and create openings for the striker. Leading the line, Steffen Tigges will act as the focal point of Paderborn’s attack, holding up the ball and capitalising on any defensive errors through his positioning and finishing.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Seimen; Hansen, Gotze, Scheller; Curda, Baur, Castaneda, Obermair; Bilbija, Batzner; Tigges

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen head into the DFB-Pokal clash with a strong squad and no significant injury or suspension concerns. This depth allows head coach Kasper Hjulmand the luxury of rotating several first-team regulars without a major dip in quality. Given their demanding fixture schedule in both domestic and European competitions, Hjulmand is expected to rest a few of his key performers while maintaining a competitive lineup capable of dictating play and avoiding a potential cup upset.

One of the possible changes could see Jarell Quansah, the club’s high-profile summer signing from Liverpool, afforded a rest. The young defender has impressed since his arrival but may be replaced by Jeanuel Belocian in the backline to manage fatigue. In midfield, Robert Andrich is likely to start in a deeper role alongside Aleix García, forming a balanced double pivot that combines physicality with technical precision. Both players will be key in controlling possession and dictating transitions.

Up front, Patrik Schick is expected to lead the line, having gradually regained fitness and form after his long injury layoff. Supporting him in the attacking midfield roles will be Jonas Hofmann and Eliesse Ben Seghir, both of whom offer creativity, vision, and movement between the lines. With Hjulmand likely to rotate wide players, these two will be tasked with unlocking Paderborn’s defensive shape and creating opportunities through central combinations.

Kasper Hjulmand will likely continue with his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation, a shape that provides structural solidity while allowing flexibility in attack. Janis Blaswich should start in goal, given his solid performances as backup to the usual first-choice goalkeeper. In defence, Jeanuel Belocian will slot in on the left side of the back three, joined by Loïc Badé in the central role and Edmond Tapsoba on the right. This trio will be responsible for initiating buildup play from the back while maintaining compactness against Paderborn’s counters.

On the flanks, Arthur is expected to occupy the right wing-back role, offering pace and crossing ability, while Alejandro Grimaldo will operate on the left, providing width and attacking thrust. Their ability to stretch the field and deliver accurate balls into the box could be decisive against a deep-lying opponent.

In midfield, Robert Andrich will anchor the centre with his defensive strength and ability to recycle possession, while Aleix García will provide the creative outlet, orchestrating play through progressive passing and ball circulation. Just ahead of them, Jonas Hofmann will occupy the right-sided attacking midfield role, known for his intelligent movement and link-up play, while Eliesse Ben Seghir will feature on the left, bringing flair and directness to Leverkusen’s attacks.

Leading the line, Patrik Schick will serve as the focal point of the attack. The Czech striker’s aerial prowess, intelligent positioning, and finishing ability make him a constant threat inside the box, and his understanding with Hofmann and Ben Seghir will be crucial in breaking through Paderborn’s defensive block.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Belocian, Bade, Tapsoba; Arthur, Andrich, Garcia, Grimaldo; Hofmann, Ben Seghir; Schick

Key Stats

• Bayer Leverkusen have reached at least the quarter-final stage in four of their last six DFB-Pokal campaigns, including a round-of-16 victory over SC Paderborn in 2023–24, which ended 3–1 in their favour.

• SC Paderborn come into this tie having scored at least two goals in each of their last five matches across all competitions, a testament to their attacking confidence despite facing much weaker defences than Leverkusen’s.

• Die Werkself are unbeaten in all five away matches this season (winning three and drawing two), averaging 2.4 goals per game on their travels and conceding fewer than one goal per outing.

• This is the fourth consecutive season in which SC Paderborn have faced a Bundesliga opponent in the DFB-Pokal. However, they have lost all three previous encounters, conceding a total of nine goals in those fixtures.

• Bayer Leverkusen have netted 10 goals in their last four matches in all competitions and boast one of the most diverse scoring units in Germany, with nine different players contributing goals during that span.

Player to Watch

Patrick Schick

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After enduring an injury-disrupted spell last season, Patrik Schick is beginning to rediscover the sharpness that once made him one of the Bundesliga’s most feared finishers. The Czech international remains a central figure in Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking setup, offering a blend of technical finesse, composure, and intelligent positioning that few forwards in German football can match.

Schick’s ability to act as both a poacher and a facilitator makes him indispensable in Kasper Hjulmand’s fluid attacking system. His link-up play with Jonas Hofmann and Eliesse Ben Seghir will be key to breaking down Paderborn’s compact defensive block, while his movement inside the box and aerial prowess make him a constant target for crosses from Alejandro Grimaldo and Arthur.

What sets Schick apart is his ability to create space for others while remaining clinical himself. His calm finishing and knack for timing runs to perfection allow Leverkusen to transition seamlessly from midfield to attack. Against a Paderborn side that thrives on pressing but often leaves gaps at the back, Schick’s experience and precision could be the difference-maker.

If Leverkusen are to avoid a potential upset, Patrik Schick’s leadership and efficiency in front of goal will likely be at the heart of their success.

Prediction

SC Paderborn 1-4 Bayer Leverkusen

While SC Paderborn have been one of the most entertaining and confident sides in the 2. Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen’s superior depth, quality, and experience should prove decisive. The hosts may enjoy moments of attacking flair, but the visitors’ precision and tactical control are likely to dominate proceedings.

Leverkusen’s recent attacking fluency, coupled with their ability to adapt under pressure, makes them overwhelming favourites to progress comfortably into the next round. The Hard Tackle predicts a 4-1 win for Kasper Hjulmand and his charges.