Bayer Leverkusen - NK Celje

Bayer Leverkusen and NK Celje meet at BayArena on 16 September 2026 for their Europa League matchday 1 encounter. The hosts enter this fixture following a mixed domestic run, which included a commanding 4-0 victory over Union Berlin before a 2-2 draw against Augsburg. Bayer Leverkusen are expected to field an attacking setup featuring Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby, supported by a midfield trio of Afonso Moreira, Ibrahim Maza, and Aleix Garcia, as they look to establish momentum in the group stage.

NK Celje arrive in Germany after a challenging period in the Prva Liga, where they suffered consecutive defeats against NK Bravo and Koper. Their European journey has been defined by narrow margins, including a hard-fought aggregate win over Ararat Armenia before an extra-time exit against Slovan Bratislava. With Zan-Luk Leban likely in goal, the visitors must quickly rediscover their form to compete against a side that has shown significant offensive strength in recent weeks.