Can OFI punish Bayer’s aggressive approach? OFI Crete vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction – 22.10.2026
On Thursday, October 22, OFI Crete will host Bayer Leverkusen at the Pankritio Stadium in the third round of the UEFA Europa League league phase. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:45 CEST. Leverkusen have made a perfect European start with six points and a 6-0 goal difference, while OFI have already shown at home that they can cause Bundesliga opposition serious problems.
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OFI Crete: goals are coming, but the defence is becoming a major problem
OFI’s Europa League campaign began impressively with a 2-0 home victory over Hoffenheim, but their recent results have been much less convincing. Christos Kontis’ team are now coming off three consecutive defeats: 0-3 against AEK Athens, 1-2 away to Rennes and a dramatic 3-4 loss to Kalamata.
The latest defeat summed up both the strengths and weaknesses of the Cretan side. OFI found themselves 3-1 down against Kalamata but managed to fight back to 3-3 through two goals from Thiago Nuss and another from Kenan Kodro. However, they conceded again in stoppage time and left empty-handed. It was another reminder that this team can create chances but currently gives opponents far too much space at the other end.
There are also personnel concerns. Taxiarchis Fountas, who scored OFI’s goal against Rennes, missed the Kalamata match because of back discomfort. Christos Sielis has been working individually, while Aaron Iseka has been undergoing treatment. Their status will be important because OFI need as much attacking depth as possible against one of the strongest teams in the competition.
Still, OFI should not be written off offensively. They scored against Rennes despite spending long periods without the ball, put three past Kalamata and, most importantly, already defeated Hoffenheim 2-0 at this stadium in the Europa League.
Bayer Leverkusen: Schick and Maza are driving an attack in outstanding form
Bayer arrive in Crete in excellent shape. Carles Martínez’s team have won five consecutive matches in all competitions: 2-0 against Celje, 2-0 against RB Leipzig, 4-3 away to Mainz, 4-0 against Lech Poznań and 2-1 against Freiburg. That is 14 goals scored during this run.
Their Europa League numbers are particularly impressive. Bayer opened the league phase with a 2-0 win over Celje before dismantling Polish champions Lech Poznań 4-0 away from home. Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot in Poland, with Malik Tillman and Ibrahim Maza adding the other goals.
Schick is enjoying a remarkable start to the season. His winner against Freiburg meant that he had scored in each of the first six Bundesliga matchdays — a new Bayer Leverkusen club record. Maza is also in excellent form: he scored against both Lech and Freiburg and assisted Schick’s winner in the latter game.
Martínez has enough attacking options to change the shape of his front line, although the squad is not completely healthy. Martin Terrier suffered a hamstring injury against Lech and is not expected back until late December. Eliesse Ben Seghir, Guéla Doué and Christian Kofane were also among the players unavailable for the latest Bundesliga match.
Match facts
- Bayer Leverkusen have won both Europa League matches this season with a combined score of 6-0.
- Bayer have won their last five matches in all competitions.
- Leverkusen have scored 14 goals across those five victories.
- OFI have lost their last three matches.
- OFI have nevertheless scored in four of their last five games.
- OFI already beat Bundesliga opposition at home this season, defeating Hoffenheim 2-0.
The favourite should create plenty, but OFI can respond: OFI Crete vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
There is a clear difference in form and individual quality. Bayer are playing with confidence, Schick is converting chances consistently, and Maza has become another major source of creativity and goals. Against an OFI defence that has just conceded nine goals across three consecutive defeats, the German side should create enough opportunities to score more than once.
However, backing only another Bayer clean sheet looks more dangerous. OFI have already demonstrated their attacking potential at the Pankritio Stadium, scoring twice against Hoffenheim, and they also found the net away to Rennes before scoring three times against Kalamata. Kontis’ side are capable of attacking quickly when opponents leave space behind their first pressing line.
Bayer naturally play on the front foot, and OFI are unlikely to survive for 90 minutes simply defending around their own penalty area. The visitors should dominate the game and create the greater volume of chances, but the hosts have enough attacking quality to contribute to the scoreboard. That makes the goals market more attractive than taking Leverkusen at a very short price.
Prediction: Both teams to score — Yes.
