Wed Mar 05 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Kimmich Returns as Bayern Faces Leverkusen in Champions League Clash
**Munich, Germany** – Bayern Munich will have captain Joshua Kimmich back in their starting XI for tonight’s crucial Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash against Bayer Leverkusen. Kimmich, who missed recent Bundesliga matches due to a hamstring strain, is fully recovered and ready to lead the Bavarian giants.
Manager Vincent Kompany has made three changes to the team that won against Stuttgart, bringing in Kimmich for Joao Palhinha, Dayot Upamecano for Eric Dier, and Kingsley Coman for Leroy Sané.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso continues his unconventional approach, opting once again to field a team without a traditional striker. Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick, who started in their recent Bundesliga draw against Bayern, will begin the match on the bench, with Amine Adli leading the attack. Defensively, Mario Hermoso replaces Edmond Tapsoba.
The starting lineups are as follows:
**Bayern Munich:** Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Olise, Musiala, Coman – Kane.
**Bayer Leverkusen:** Kovar – Mukiele, Tah, Hermoso, Hincapie – Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo – Wirtz – Adli.
The match promises a fascinating tactical battle, with Bayern’s star-studded lineup facing Leverkusen’s unique, striker-less formation.
First Piper 