Former Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger says Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen will face a “tough opponent” in West Ham after being drawn against them in the Europa League.

David Moyes’s side negotiated their passage to the quarter-finals after thrashing another German club Freiburg 5-0 at home to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory. Taking to X to discuss the tie between the Hammers and Leverkusen, Schweinsteiger said:

“The encounters promise great excitement and a lot of quality. West Ham has shown that they are a strong opponent and they will demand everything from Bayer Leverkusen.”

Moyes’ men play the first leg in Germany on April 11th before the return fixture at the London Stadium a week later.

Leverkusen have not lost all season

The German side look destined to win their first Bundesliga title, having had an incredible season under the guidance of head coach Xabi Alonso.

Leverkusen have yet to lose in any competition, having won 21 of their 25 league games and drawing the other 4. They have made it through to the semi-finals of the German Cup, as well as winning all but one of their fixtures in the Europa League so far.

West Ham should not fear their next opponents

Despite their unbeaten record, though, Leverkusen were nearly undone in the last round of the Europa League by a spirited Qarabag FK team.

The Azeri club were 2-1 up in the first leg before conceding a late equaliser in injury time. They were also 2-1 up in Germany before a late fightback from Leverkusen led to them winning 5-4 on aggregate.

If West Ham play at the top of their game, there is a chance that they can pull off an upset. The Hammers will have to keep things tight in the first leg so as to give themselves the best possible chance for the return game at home.