Bayer Leverkusen beat OFI Crete 2-0 in the Europa League league phase.

The UEFA Europa League league-phase encounter took place on 22 October 2026 at the Pankritio Stadium on the island of Crete. Bayer Leverkusen travelled to face OFI Crete in what proved to be a decisive away performance, finishing the match with a clean sheet and a two-goal advantage.

How it unfolded

The first notable incident came in the 25th minute when Bayer’s Aleix García was shown a yellow card for a bad foul. The booking did not alter the flow of the game, but it marked the first disciplinary action of the evening.

Just ten minutes later, Bayer Leverkusen broke the deadlock. In the 35th minute, Jonas Hofmann struck a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box, placing the ball in the bottom right corner to make it 1-0. The goal gave Leverkusen the lead and shifted the momentum in their favour.

Only two minutes after his opening strike, Hofmann added a second. In the 37th minute he fired a right-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner, this time assisted by Malik Tillman. The quick double put Bayer Leverkusen firmly in control at 2-0.

The second half saw further disciplinary actions. Bayer’s Jarell Quansah received a yellow card for a bad foul in the 79th minute, followed by another Bayer booking when Ezequiel Fernández was shown a yellow card for a bad foul in the 86th minute. OFI Crete’s Borja González was booked in the 87th minute for a bad foul, bringing the total to four yellow cards, all issued for similar offences. No further goals were scored, and the match concluded with Bayer Leverkusen maintaining their two-goal lead.

Standout performers

Jonas Hofmann was the clear match-winner, scoring both of Bayer Leverkusen’s goals, including the decisive strike in the 37th minute that was set up by Malik Tillman. Tillman’s contribution with the assist was pivotal in extending the lead shortly after the opening goal.

Match facts

  • Final score: OFI Crete 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
  • Goal scorers: Jonas Hofmann (35’, 37’) – assist for the second goal by Malik Tillman
  • Bookings: Aleix García (25’), Jarell Quansah (79’), Ezequiel Fernández (86’) – all Bayer Leverkusen; Borja González (87’) – OFI Crete
  • Venue: Pankritio Stadium, Crete

What it means

The 2-0 win gives Bayer Leverkusen three points from the league-phase fixture, strengthening their position in the group, while OFI Crete return home without points, needing to improve their results in the remaining matches to stay competitive in the Europa League campaign.