OFI Crete look to put yet another Bundesliga side to the sword in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) as they welcome the losing 2024 finalists and unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen for matchday three.
Match News and Current Form
OFI Crete’s first-ever appearance in the main draw of one of Europe’s top-two competitions hit its first hitch on matchday two as they failed to convert a first-half lead to eventually lose 2-1 to Rennes. Defeating Hoffenheim 2-0 in the opening round, they will likely need a quick scoring start once more if they’re to have any chance against yet another Bundesliga outfit. Despite some indifferent domestic form which has coincided with the start of their UEL campaign (D1, L2), the Greek side can take heart from their return of nine wins from 11 home games in major European competition (D1, L1), meaning they could now become the first side to win ten from as few as 12 since Middlesbrough between 2004-2006!
Storming to consecutive victories to open this UEL campaign with six unanswered goals, Leverkusen look to be justifying their place amongst the favourites to win the competition. Continental involvement hasn’t knocked Leverkusen off their stride domestically either as they travel here on the back of a seven-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W6, D1). Such strong form across the board correlates directly with Leverkusen’s form in this competition as Die Werkself head into this clash after losing just one of their last 16 UEL matches at any venue (W11, D4), including seven straight unbeaten away games with four victories to nil along the way (W5, D2).
Head-to-Head History
These sides have met only once previously, when Leverkusen came out 1-0 winners in the 1995 UEFA Intertoto Cup.
Hot Stats and Streaks
OFI are the second-most fouled side after two rounds in the UEL (35).
Only one of OFI’s last seven European games saw both teams score.
Leverkusen have attempted 39 shots across their opening two UEL games, 17 of which were on target.
Each of Leverkusen’s last five UEL games won or lost was settled with 2+ goal margins (W4, L1).
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
All three of Taxiarchis Fountas’ goals for OFI this season have come across his four appearances in European competition, with both of his scoring appearances therein seeing him net the match opener. Patrik Schick scored two first-half penalties for Leverkusen in their previous UEL outing to end a four-game UEL goal drought and bring his tally in the competition proper up to ten goals in 24 appearances.
Neither side seem to have any fresh injury concerns.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Leverkusen’s rampant UEL form cannot be ignored, so backing them to win with a clean sheet looks like a shrewd choice.
Author: Matthew Billon