OFI
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
>OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction & Betting Tips – 22/10/2026
OFI Crete welcome Bayer 04 Leverkusen to the Pankritio Stadio on 22 October 2026 in a Europa League league phase fixture that carries real weight for both sides. The Cretan outfit are savouring a historic return to European competition, while Xabi Alonso's men need points to secure a top-eight finish and a bye into the Round of 16. This is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, adding a layer of intrigue to a contest that pits Greek resilience against Bundesliga pedigree under the floodlights in Heraklion.
Match Analysis
Bayer 04 Leverkusen arrive in Crete as commanding favorites at 1.22, carrying a WWWDW run and averaging 2.8 goals per game across their last five matches, with genuine motivation to secure a top-eight bye to the Round of 16.
- 88% passing accuracy in Europa League dwarfs OFI's 67%, signaling territorial dominance.
- 2.8 goals scored per game in last five matches across all competitions, superior output.
- Schick, Diaby, and Terrier front three remains elite despite absences of Boniface and Hofmann.
- Frimpong and Grimaldo as wing-backs create overloads OFI's backline has never encountered this season.
OFI face a steep challenge at 12.00, arriving with a congested schedule, a 3-0 domestic loss to AEK Athens, and a depleted squad missing Marinakis, Koutsoupias, Romano, and Kenourgiakis ahead of this historic European home fixture.
- Four key players out including Koutsoupias (cruciate) and Marinakis, stretching OFI's depth severely.
- Rotation risk is high after Europa League trip to Rennes just days prior, signaling squad fatigue.
- 67% passing accuracy in Europe exposes a technical gap against Leverkusen's structured press.
Key point: With Leverkusen's attacking depth reduced by absences, backing over 1.36 goals offers value given both sides' recent high-scoring European outings.
Form & Statistics: OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
OFI
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
OFI
Starters
- 1 Christogeorgos
- 2 Dickmann
- 3 Kostoulas
- 4 Poungouras
- 5 Krizmanic
- 6 Bouchalakis
- 7 Androutsos
- 8 Athanasiou
- 9 Cantalapiedra
- 10 Fountas
- 11 Kodro
Bench
- Lilo
- Katsikas
- Karachalios
- Kanellopoulos
- Shelis
- Borja González
- Nuss
- Apostolakis
- Theodosoulakis
Absent
- Nikolaos Marinakis (injury)
- Anastasios Chatzigiovanis (suspended)
- Aaron Leya Iseka (injury)
- Christos Sielis (injury)
- Thiago Romano (Muscle injury)
- Pavlos Kenourgiakis (Knock injury)
- Nikos Marinakis (Inflammation of pubic bone / Unknown injury)
- Fotis Koutsoupias (Cruciate ligament injury)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Starters
- 1 Flekken
- 2 Tapsoba
- 3 Medina
- 4 Quansah
- 5 Frimpong
- 6 Andrich
- 7 Fernández
- 8 Grimaldo
- 9 Diaby
- 10 Schick
- 11 Terrier
Bench
- Blaswich
- Lomb
- Gutiérrez
- Badé
- García
- Tillman
- Moreira
- Bomba
Absent
- Christian Kofane (injury)
- Guéla Doué (injury)
- Eliesse Ben Seghir (injury)
- Jonas Hofmann (suspended)
- Kennet Eichhorn (injury)
- Victor Boniface (suspended)
- Tim Oermann (suspended)
- Montrell Culbreath (injury)
- Nathan Tella (Back injury)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculative caveat, drawn from recent patterns rather than confirmed team sheets, so some late adjustments remain possible. That said, the tactical contrast is already clear: OFI's 4-2-3-1 sets up to be compact and structured, with Bouchalakis anchoring the midfield double pivot, while Fountas leads the line.
Leverkusen arrive in a 3-4-3, a shape that allows Frimpong and Grimaldo to push forward as wing-backs and gives Schick central support from Diaby and Terrier. The width Leverkusen can generate in that system will likely be the defining tactical question of the afternoon.
Our Verdict
Leverkusen's away win at 1.22 represents the standout selection here. Xabi Alonso's side have won four of their last five across all competitions, averaging 2.8 goals per match in that stretch. OFI's three consecutive domestic wins deserve respect, yet a 3-0 hammering at AEK Athens exposed defensive frailties, and likely squad rotation compounds the challenge. With Leverkusen boasting 88% passing accuracy in this competition, the quality gap should prove decisive. Back the away win.
Questo articolo è a scopo informativo e non costituisce una raccomandazione di gioco.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen?
The most compelling selection here is a Bayer Leverkusen away win at 1.22. The quality gap is substantial: Leverkusen average 2.8 goals per match across their last five fixtures, their passing accuracy dwarfs OFI's, and even a rotated front line of Schick, Diaby, and Terrier comfortably outclasses a Greek Super League defence built against domestic opposition.
What time does OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen kick off?
This Europa League League Stage fixture kicks off at 16:45 UTC on Thursday, 22nd October 2026. The match takes place at the Pankritio Stadio in Crete, Greece, which serves as OFI's home ground and provides the backdrop for what is a historic European occasion for the Cretan side.
Where can I watch OFI vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for Europa League fixtures vary by territory, so we recommend checking your local listings. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports typically holds rights to Europa League coverage. Supporters across Europe and beyond should consult their regional broadcasters or streaming platforms to confirm live coverage of this fixture.
What is OFI's recent record against Bayer 04 Leverkusen?
This fixture represents genuinely uncharted territory for both sides in terms of direct head-to-head history. OFI Crete, having only recently returned to European football after years away, have no meaningful recent record against Bayer Leverkusen to draw upon. This Europa League League Stage encounter is, to all practical purposes, a maiden meeting between the two clubs.