Mon Oct 28 20:00:54 UTC 2024: ## Bundesliga Champions Leverkusen Face Cup Upset Threat from Elversberg

**Leverkusen, Germany** – Defending DFB Cup champions Bayer Leverkusen face a tricky second-round tie on Tuesday as they host high-flying Bundesliga 2 side Elversberg at the BayArena.

Leverkusen enter the match on the back of a frustrating 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. While manager Xabi Alonso will be keen to maintain their strong form across all competitions, the team has displayed a worrying tendency to surrender leads.

Despite their recent draw, Leverkusen remain a formidable force, having suffered just one defeat in their last 13 games. The team’s strong cup defence began with a 1-0 victory over Carl Zeiss Jena in the first round. Alonso is expected to rotate his squad for the cup tie, with goalkeeper Matěj Kovář likely to get the nod over Lukáš Hrádecký.

Elversberg, on the other hand, are riding a wave of confidence. The Saarland side are currently seventh in the Bundesliga 2 standings and have won three of their last four games. Key attackers Fisnik Asllani and Luca Schnellbacher have combined for 11 goals in the league and both found the net in their 7-0 first-round cup victory over Hildesheim.

With a recent cup upset over 3. Liga champions, Elversberg will be confident in their ability to cause another upset against the reigning champions.

**Team News:**

**Leverkusen:**
* **Out:** Adli (ankle), Belocian (foot), Terrier (suspended)
* **Doubtful:** None
* **Coach:** Xabi Alonso

**Elversberg:**
* **Out:** Dragon (knee), Jäkel (match fitness), Le Joncour (elbow), Şahin (calf)
* **Doubtful:** None
* **Coach:** Horst Steffen

The match kicks off at 6pm CET and promises to be a captivating clash between two in-form sides. Will Leverkusen continue their cup dominance, or will Elversberg pull off another surprising victory?

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