Koln vs Bayer Leverkusen preview - Cologne aim to extend home run

Posted Friday, April 24, 2015 by PA

Cologne would like nothing more than to throw a spanner in the works of their local rivals Bayer Leverkusen's hopes of qualifying directly for the Champions League group stage next season.

The two teams meet this Saturday at the Mungersdorferstadion with Cologne all but mathematically free from relegation concerns and therefore able to focus on upsetting their neighbours and giving their fans some pleasure.

At the same time, three points might be enough to end any lingering fears the Goats may have of still being sucked into the relegation battle this season.

"We want to extend our run at home - we've not lost any games in front of our fans in the second half of the season," said their coach Peter Stoger on his club's website.

"We have a chance to take a huge step towards our objective with a win."

The mere fact Cologne are in such a position has surprised Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt, who has expressed his admiration for the work Stoger has done with the promoted side this season.

"I find it remarkable that Cologne were never really within touching distance of the relegation zone," he said at a press conference.

"That's a fantastic performance for a promoted side and this game has all the ingredients to be a really good match."

Leverkusen have won their last seven in a row and have edged ahead of Borussia Monchengladbach in the hunt for third place, which would enable them to avoid a play-off for the Champions League next season.

"We're currently playing at the highest level," enthused Schmidt. "Our body language, our team spirit and unity - it's all top."