Matchday news #OFIB04: Looking to extend Europa League run in Crete

40 years across Europe. Still Creating History.

Bayer 04 vs. OFI Crete – this fixture has actually taken place once before. As part of the UEFA Intertoto (UI) Cup, which was held until 2009 before the respective domestic league campaigns kicked off and was the last chance for clubs to qualify for the UEFA Cup, the Werkself hosted the team from the Greek island at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion in 1995. Due to the summer break, many of Leverkusen’s first-team players were on holiday, which is why a number of players from the reserves and the club’s own youth academy took to the pitch. Nevertheless, the home side had the Greeks under control for the full 90 minutes and, despite creating a wealth of chances, only won thanks to a penalty converted by Markus Kurth in the 36th minute.

Overall, Bayer 04 have generally looked in command against Greek opponents: of their last six matches in major European competitions, the Black and Reds have lost just one. Most recently, the Werkself progressed to the next round of the Champions League play-offs last season thanks to a 2–0 first-leg victory and a goalless draw in the second leg against Olympiacos. In the Europa League, too, only one of Leverkusen’s last 16 matches has ended in defeat. On the Mediterranean island, Carles Martínez’s side could secure their third win in their third Europa League game of the current campaign.

focus on the greeks