Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje Prediction & Tips | Europa League - League phase | FootballTips.app

Bayer Leverkusen return to the Europa League for the first time since reaching the 2023/24 final when they host Slovenian champions Celje at the BayArena. Carles Martínez’s side have made a mixed start domestically, while Celje arrive after dropping out of Champions League qualifying against Slovan Bratislava.

Celje were eliminated 3-2 on aggregate in that play-off tie, following a 1-1 first-leg draw with a 2-1 extra-time defeat at home. Svit Sešlar scored their only goal in the second leg, while Mario Kvesić finished qualifying as their leading scorer with four.

Leverkusen are beginning their European campaign at home, where their recent Europa League record is formidable. They have won their last nine home matches in the competition, scoring 37 goals during that run, while they have lost only once in their last 16 Europa League group or league-phase fixtures.

The German side also possesses a favourable historical backdrop. Leverkusen are unbeaten in their two previous European meetings with Slovenian opposition, beating Maribor 2-0 away before drawing 0-0 at home in the 1999/00 Champions League.

Celje, meanwhile, are competing in their fourth major European season and have built useful continental experience through consecutive Conference League campaigns. They reached the quarter-finals in 2024/25 and the last 16 last season, although their current domestic form has been less convincing and they have struggled defensively away from home.

The hosts enter as strong favourites given their greater quality and depth, but Celje have scored in 13 consecutive competitive away matches. That attacking consistency suggests they may pose a threat, even if containing Patrik Schick and Leverkusen’s supporting cast proves a far greater challenge.