Bayer Leverkusen vs. Barcelona: 10 Reasons Bayer Can Win

Bayer Leverukusen could beat Barcelona Tuesday when the Champions League knockout rounds begin.

Conventional wisdom says that Barcelona should be winners over the two legs, but there are no guarantees.

Now, just hold on a second Barcelona fans and let me say a few things.

Firstly, anything can happen in football. Secondly, these are a list of reasons that show why Bayer could win—not that they will win. Thirdly, these reasons are mainly for Bayer's upcoming home game.

While this is by no means the most interesting matchup over two legs, Bayer could make the tale a little more dramatic than usual.

Here are 10 reasons why Bayer Leverkusen could win.

Barcelona's Away Record This Season

Barcelona's away record isn't necessarily horrific—10 wins, six draws and two losses—but it is not what would be expected of such a talented team.

They actually won all of their away games in the Champions League, but the only real test was AC Milan.

Overall though, the Catalans have made things much harder for themselves on the road and that is the main reason why they are currently 10 points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.

Bayer Leverkusen Is at Home

Bayer Leverkusen will do everything it can to protect its BayArena home ground. The German team knows it will face an uphill battle at Camp Nou regardless of the end result.

Their home record in the Champions League is three wins out of three and they scored six goals, conceding two during that time.

They will feel confident about their ability to defend their home turf.

Barcelona's Away Record Against German Opposition

This Barcelona team's last few German opponents have been Bayern Munich and Stuttgart. They tied 1-1 with both.

This edition of Bayer Leverkusen may not be as good as Bayern, but they are better than Stuttgart.

It really wouldn't be inconceivable for Bayer Leverkusen to gain a draw or better in the first leg.

Bayer Leverkusen Experience

Bayer Leverkusen's experience starts with Michael Ballack. He may miss the first encounter with Barca, but the squad still has the likes of Vedran Corluka, Manuel Friedrich and Simon Rolfes to lead the side.

These experienced players can help rein in Bayer's more youthful talents who could hold the key to this game.

Bayer Leverkusen's Talented Youths

The German side has a lot of talented young players such as Andre Schurrle, Lars Bender and Stefan Reinartz.

These players have been a big part of the squad this season and, again, they do have the talent to help spring an upset.

Barca players will have to make sure they don't get too confident against their talented though less experienced opponents.

Barcelona's Attitude

Speaking of confidence, Barcelona seem to have a problem with stretches of complacency this year.

That, along with teams' seemingly renewed vigor when facing the Catalan giants has led to some surprising results. The most recent of which was a 3-2 loss to Osasuna.

Barcelona's Form

Barcelona seem to be going through a little rough patch right now. The team has only two wins in its last six games and one of them came in the Copa del Rey.

That rough patch in form has seen some off-color performances from the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi.

Barcelona's Preoccupation Elsewhere

Barca will not hand the La Liga title to Real Madrid. Even now, 10 points behind their rivals, the Catalans will do their best to push them to the very end.

Earlier this year, Pep Guardiola apparently stated that La Liga was the most important tournament.

If that is the case, the Catalans may not have the same focus on this game, undoubtedly aiding Leverkusen.

Luck

Good teams make their own luck. Some teams just get lucky. Bayer Leverkusen could fit into either category by the time the game is over.

They could come out, give Barcelona everything they have, and spring a surprise at home. The away game could then see them battered in front of goal but somehow leave Camp Nou unscathed.

Bayer Leverkusen could pull off the biggest upset of the Champions League in some time if the ball bounces their way in this matchup.

Tactics

Teams know Barca's basic mode of attack, so it is all about finding the right combination to frustrate them and then turn the tables.

Pep Guardiola's tactics are not questioned ofen. He has the best team in the world but he gets them to play a game that few teams can beat.

If Bayer Leverkusen boss Robin Dutt gets his game plan right and with a good balance between attack and defense, he can make things very difficult for the Spanish side.