Leverkusen Look To Extend Winning Streak As Tricky Europa League Test Awaits

Bayer Leverkusen travel to Greece on Thursday evening, looking to extend their impressive winning streak and maintain their perfect start to the Europa League campaign.

Carles Martínez's side face OFI Crete at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, with kick-off scheduled for 18:45 CEST.

Leverkusen arrive in excellent form, having won five consecutive matches across all competitions, including Sunday's 2-1 comeback victory over SC Freiburg.

However, their Greek opponents have already demonstrated that they are capable of upsetting Bundesliga clubs, having beaten Hoffenheim 2-0 in their opening Europa League fixture.

Leverkusen Can Make It Three Wins From Three

Die Werkself have been among the most impressive teams in the Europa League's opening two matchdays.

A 2-0 home victory against Celje was followed by a commanding 4-0 win away to Lech Poznań, leaving Martínez's side with six points, six goals scored and none conceded.

They currently sit second in the league-phase standings, behind Juventus, and another victory would strengthen their position in the race for direct qualification to the round of 16.

Their domestic form has been equally encouraging.

Leverkusen are unbeaten in seven competitive matches, with Patrik Schick particularly influential during that run.

The Czech striker has scored in all six Bundesliga matches this season, setting a new club record, while his two goals against Lech Poznań demonstrated his importance in Europe.

Ibrahim Maza has also emerged as a decisive attacking figure, contributing a goal and an assist against Freiburg.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Martínez acknowledged the challenge posed by OFI.

OFI Crete Have Already Warned The Bundesliga

Despite their status as underdogs, OFI should not be underestimated.

The Greek Cup winners began their Europa League campaign with a surprising 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against Rennes.

They have since struggled for results, losing three consecutive matches, but their home form remains a significant advantage.

OFI are unbeaten at home this season, making the trip to Heraklion a potentially difficult assignment.

Sporting director Simon Rolfes described the hosts as an awkward opponent, pointing specifically to their victory over Hoffenheim as a warning.

For Leverkusen, controlling possession and preventing quick counterattacks will be important, particularly against an opponent comfortable playing in front of its own supporters.

Injuries Force Martínez To Adjust His Squad

Die Werkself will once again be without several players.

Martin Terrier remains sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury against Lech Poznań, while Eliesse Ben Seghir, Christian Kofane, Guéla Doué and Kennet Eichhorn are also unavailable.

However, Martínez has received a welcome boost with Jonas Hofmann added to the Europa League squad as Terrier's replacement.

The 34-year-old offers valuable experience and versatility across several attacking positions, potentially giving Martínez greater flexibility during a demanding run of fixtures.

Malik Tillman could also be handed another opportunity following his goal against Lech Poznań, while Robert Andrich and Loïc Badé are among those who could feature if Martínez rotates his team.

Jarell Quansah believes Leverkusen's improving defensive understanding has been crucial to their recent success.

With more than 1,000 Bayer supporters expected in Heraklion, the Werkself will have considerable backing as they pursue another European victory.

A third consecutive Europa League win would leave Martínez's side in an excellent position after three matchdays and extend their winning streak across all competitions to six.

But after OFI's earlier victory against Hoffenheim, Leverkusen knows that their impressive form alone will not guarantee three points.

From here the stage only gets bigger.