Bayer Leverkusen Faces OFI Crete in UEFA Europa League Match

Bayer Leverkusen takes on OFI Crete at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion on Thursday evening in a UEFA Europa League encounter. Leverkusen enters the match aiming for its third win from three games in the current league phase, following earlier victories against NK Celje and Lech Posen, alongside a recent domestic win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.

OFI Crete hosts the German side with three points on the board after pulling off an opening-phase upset against TSG Hoffenheim. The Greek club comes into the fixture following a domestic defeat to Kalamata over the weekend, prompting head coach Christos Kontis to make six changes to his starting lineup.

For the visitors, head coach Carles Martinez has implemented five alterations following the weekend success against Freiburg. The starting XI features Janis Blaswich in goal, alongside Lucas Vazquez, Loic Badé, Malik Tillman, and Jonas Hofmann.

OFI Crete's confirmed lineup features Lilo in goal, supported by defenders Kostoulas, Poungouras, and Krizmanić. The midfield and attack consist of Dickmann, Bouchalakis, Androutsos, Athanasiou, Cantalapiedra, Kodro, and Nuss.

Leverkusen's formation relies on Blaswich, with Vazquez, Badé, Quansah, and Medina forming the defensive line. Fernandez and Garcia anchor the midfield, while Afonso Moreira, Tillman, Hofmann, and Schick complete the tactical setup.

In television and streaming coverage, the fixture is broadcast across multiple platforms in Germany. Viewers can access the match through subscription services on RTL+ and Sky, with no free-to-air broadcast available on RTL.

Ahead of the European fixture, Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah addressed media inquiries regarding reported transfer interest from prominent European clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. The 23-year-old English defender deflected speculation about his long-term future.

Quansah emphasized his immediate commitment to the German club. "I just have to concentrate on playing this season," Quansah stated ahead of the match. "I'll play as many games as possible and try to improve. There's nothing more I can do."