Leverkusen's clean start meets OFI's Heraklion test

Bayer Leverkusen have scored six goals and conceded none in their last two matches, and that is the record OFI will have to solve at Pankritio Stadium on Thursday.

Two paths in the same competition

Leverkusen sit second in the 36-team league phase with six points and a goal difference of +6, already placed to push for the places that decide the title and qualification race. OFI are 18th with three points. For the Cretan side, a result here matters for keeping pace with the chasing pack, while Leverkusen want to show they can keep the leaders’ company.

Form on both sides

Leverkusen have won both of their games this campaign. OFI have won three of their four matches this season, and their only defeat came away from home. Pankritio has been a fortress: two home wins and no goals conceded there.

OFI’s scoring has often come late. Three of their eight goals this season have arrived between the 76th and 90th minutes, and it is a habit the home side will hope to repeat against a team that has not yet conceded.

Team news

Both squads are missing several players. OFI are without N. Marinakis (groin injury), A. Leya Iseka and C. Sielis, who are both inactive.

Leverkusen’s list is longer. E. Ben Seghir, C. Kofane and M. Terrier are sidelined with muscle injuries, G. Doue with a calf problem and K. Eichhorn with illness. V. Boniface, J. Hofmann and T. Oermann are also out of the squad. M. Culbreath is a doubt with a foot injury.

Our prediction

Leverkusen’s away record is the most convincing thing on paper: they have scored four goals in their away fixtures and kept a clean sheet there. Their attack is weakened, but they have enough quality to control a game in which they are expected to see plenty of the ball.

OFI will not be easy to beat at home, and their late-goal habit keeps them dangerous until the end. We expect a tight contest, with Leverkusen’s away form proving decisive.

OFI 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen