Lazio fell to Juventus 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup this week. (Getty)
Hoping to qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2007, Serie A club Lazio will take on Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen in a two-legged playoff starting Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio placed third in Serie A last year while Leverkusen finished fourth in Germany, setting up the playoff. Leverkusen reached the round of 16 last season, but had a heartbreaking finish as they were knocked out in penalties by Atletico Madrid.
Leverkusen are slight favorites to progress this time, but will get a stern test from the Rome side.
Here’s what you need to know about the match:
The Basics
Leverkusen began the Bundesliga season with a win. (Getty)
Who:
What:
UEFA Champions League qualification playoff, first leg
When:
Tuesday, August 18
Where:
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Time:
2:45 p.m. Eastern time; 7.45 p.m. UK time
Channel:
Fox Sports 2 (US)/BT Sport Extra (UK): (International viewers, click here for your local provider)
Odds:
Lazio 6/4, Leverkusen 17/10, Draw 23/10
Over/Under: 2.5 goals (over 10/11, under 4/5)
0-0 Draw: 9/1
Both Teams to Score: Yes 8/11, No 1/1
Editor’s note: Football is around the corner, and Heavy’s partners at DraftKings have the best NFL and college contests. Sign up with DraftKings promo code HEAVY and get a $600 deposit bonus with no season-long commitment.