Ahead of the 2025-2026 Champions League draw in Monaco on 28/8, Leverkusen's X account posted the message, "Just hoping not to draw Grimsby".
The post immediately went viral, receiving over 200,000 likes, over 32,000 reposts, and over 10,000 comments.
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Leverkusen posted a sarcastic message about Man Utd's loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the League Cup. (Author or Source) |
Leverkusen posted a sarcastic message about Man Utd's loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the League Cup. (Author or Source)
Leverkusen referenced Man Utd's loss to Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the League Cup on 27/8. This was a shocking defeat, given Man Utd's squad value of USD 1.03 billion, 245 times higher than Grimsby's. According to the Opta Power Rankings, Ruben Amorim's team is ranked 28th in the world, while Grimsby is 1,304th – lower than some V-League clubs.
The 2025-2026 Champions League group stage draw placed Leverkusen against PSG, Villarreal, PSV, and Newcastle at home, and against Man City, Benfica, Olympiacos, and Copenhagen away. Man Utd will be absent from European competition for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.
CEO Fernando Carro expressed excitement and pride at competing alongside top clubs. "We are very pleased with the draw, and we are looking forward to the European nights at BayArena, especially the PSG game. For our fans, away trips like the one to Man City will certainly be an unforgettable experience," he said.
Sporting Director Simon Rolfes emphasized Leverkusen's goal of reaching the round of 16. "PSG and Man City are clearly two of the top teams in the world, but the matches against Benfica and Newcastle also promise to be great football nights, both away and at BayArena," he said.
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Coach Erik ten Hag reacts during Bayer Leverkusen's 1-2 loss to Hoffenheim in the first round of the Bundesliga at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on 23/8/2025. Reuters |
Coach Erik ten Hag reacts during Bayer Leverkusen's 1-2 loss to Hoffenheim in the first round of the Bundesliga at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on 23/8/2025. Reuters
Leverkusen has just experienced a turbulent summer. They parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid, and appointed former Man Utd coach Erik ten Hag.
The Bundesliga side also said goodbye to several key players, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong (to Liverpool), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), and Granit Xhaka (Sunderland). Conversely, they recruited Ibrahim Maza (Hertha Berlin), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Malik Tillman (PSV), Loic Bade (Sevilla), and Lucas Vazquez (free agent).
Leverkusen had a poor start, losing 1-2 at home to Hoffenheim in the first round of the Bundesliga. Ten Hag's team will visit Werder Bremen in the second round on 30/8.
Compiled by Hong Duy
