Bayer Leverkusen to start Europa League campaign with new coach

In the bright light of the BayArena, Bayer Leverkusen’s first team is preparing for the first European cup evening of the season: on Wednesday evening they host the Slovenian champions NK Celje in the Europa League, the first competitive match under new head coach Carles Martínez, and aim for a successful start to the new phase of the group stage.

New coaches, new goals

Carles Martínez takes over the Leverkusen squad after two Champions League seasons and is expected to make an immediate impression. On the opposite side NK Celje has said goodbye to Vitor Campelos and hired Zoran Zeljkovic as the new coach, who will make his debut in the BayArena.

Form and personnel questions

The Bundesliga record of the first team has been mixed so far: from the first three games four points have been collected, including a surprising defeat against promoted side Elversberg. Coach Martínez also has to decide whether forward Ibrahim Maza, who was unable to train due to illness, will be allowed to start. In goal stands Mark Flekken, who is already slated for the Europa League.

Celje, however, is in a difficult phase: after four defeats in the last five league matches, the Slovenian champions sit in seventh place after nine matchdays. Despite these problems the team hopes to cause a surprise with the fresh coach Zeljkovic.

For Bayer Leverkusen the goal is clear – a home win in the Europa League should boost the start of the league phase and get the points chase back on track. The home advantage in the BayArena could help restore confidence after the disappointing Bundesliga start.

A thrilling duel between an experienced German first team and a motivated Slovenian champion promises an interesting Europa League evening that could provide early insight into the form of both teams.

An official shows the team how they on Wednesday evening complete the season‑opening training for the Europa League season 2026/27 – a visual preview of the upcoming duel.