Bayer 04 have been in drawn an interesting group and the club has not faced any of the three opponents before.
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler: "This draw shows the appeal of the Europa League. I think our group is brilliant and there are great names in it. Our fans can look forward to that and hopefully enjoy a lot of success with us." And sporting director Simon Rolfes is also full of anticipation for the group stage to be played between September and December: "It's a really attractive group with strong teams. We look forward to the matches against such big clubs."
Celtic finished runners-up in the Scottish Premiership last season. After going out of the Champions League in the qualifying rounds, the team under Ange Postecoglou went through the Europa League qualifiers against FK Jablonec and AZ Alkmaar.
Real Betis qualified for the UEL by finishing sixth in La Liga. Ferencváros, this year coached by the former Bundesliga manager Peter Stöger, finished champions in the Hungarian top-flight last term. The team led by the 55-year-old are also in the Europa League after going out in the Champions League qualifiers.
"The opponents will pose a great challenge on the pitch and also be extremely attractive for our fans. It's a European cup and that's what you want from this competition. Our aim is to go through from this exciting group," said Bayer 04 head coach Gerardo Seoane.
Fixtures kick off at 18.45 or 21.00 Central European Time. Match details will be announced by Saturday morning.
Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and what matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.
Show more
After three consecutive wins in the Europa League, the Werkself suffered their first European defeat of the season against Marseille. In a first half with few chances, the Black and Reds gradually gained more and more control of the game, but were unable to convert that advantage into goals. Miguel Gutiérrez came closest to putting Leverkusen ahead with a shot that hit the crossbar. In the second half, the French side produced clinical finishing, with Amine Gouiri scoring from a counter-attack to make it 1-0 (77’). Right up to the final whistle, the Werkself threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but were unable to find a way back into the game.
Show more
Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
Show more
