Bayer 04 Leverkusen are looking to extend their strong UEFA Europa League run as they face OFI Crete on Thursday, 22 October. The match, kicking off at 18:45 CEST, takes place at the Pankritio stadium in Greece.
Early reports from the match indicate a delay due to an injury sustained by Jonas Hofmann of Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Hofmann was earlier confirmed to be part of the squad travelling to Greece as a replacement for an injured teammate, but an in-game incident led to a delay. During play, OFI’s Thiago Nuss had a left-footed shot saved in the bottom right corner by Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, following an assist from Lorenzo Dickmann. Thanasis Androutsos of OFI also won a free kick in the defensive half, according to BBC Sports live coverage.
Team Form and Squad News
Bayer 04 Leverkusen enters the fixture aiming for their third consecutive win in the current Europa League campaign. The German side boasts an impressive record in the competition, having lost only one of their last 16 Europa League matches. Furthermore, Leverkusen have historically performed well against Greek opponents, losing just one of their last six matches in major European competitions. Their most recent encounter with a Greek team saw them progress past Olympiacos in the Champions League play-offs last season, securing a 2-0 first-leg victory and a goalless draw in the second leg, as reported by Bayer04.de.
OFI Crete, meanwhile, are in search of a return to winning ways, having been without a victory in their last four competitive matches. In the Europa League league phase, their campaign began with a 2-0 win over TSG Hoffenheim, but this was followed by three defeats and a draw. They also lost their second Europa League game against Stade Rennes 2-1, despite taking an early lead. However, the Greek Cup winners hold a strong home record this season, remaining unbeaten at the Pankritio.
In terms of squad changes, 34-year-old attacking midfielder Jonas Hofmann was drafted into Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Europa League squad, replacing injured teammate Martin Terrier. Hofmann was set to travel with the Werkself to Greece on Wednesday, 21 October, ahead of the match.
Historical Encounter
This is not the first time Bayer 04 Leverkusen and OFI Crete have met on the European stage. The two clubs previously clashed in the UEFA Intertoto (UI) Cup in 1995. On that occasion, Leverkusen hosted the Greek team at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty converted by Markus Kurth in the 36th minute. Leverkusen’s side for that match notably featured a number of reserve and youth academy players due to the summer break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the OFI Crete vs Bayer Leverkusen match?
The match between OFI Crete and Bayer 04 Leverkusen is scheduled to kick off at 18:45 CEST on Thursday, 22 October.
What is Jonas Hofmann’s status for the match?
Jonas Hofmann was drafted into Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s Europa League squad to replace an injured teammate and was set to travel to Greece on 21 October. However, an in-game injury delay was reported for Hofmann during the match itself.
What is OFI Crete’s home record this season?
OFI Crete, the Greek Cup winners, are currently unbeaten at home this season at the Pankritio stadium.
