The big picture

Bayer Leverkusen come in 7th on the ladder with 9 points; Besiktas are 8th on 7. Only a couple of spots separate them, so there is plenty riding on it.

Bayer Leverkusen are 3–1 in UEFA Europa League 2026-27, averaging 2 goals for and 0.3 against.

Besiktas are 2–1–1 in UEFA Europa League 2026-27, averaging 2.8 goals for and 2 against.

Form

Bayer Leverkusen have won two of their last five and most recently lost to Marseille 0–1.

Besiktas have won two of their last five and most recently lost to Celtic 2–3.

Bayer Leverkusen have lost their last three.

Head to head

We have no previous meeting between these two on record, so this one is a genuine first look.

Players to watch

For Bayer Leverkusen, watch Patrik Schick (0.9 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27) and Ibrahim Maza (0.4 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27).

For Besiktas, watch Junior Olaitan (0.5 goals a game, 3 assists in 2026-27) and Amir Murillo (0.5 goals a game in 2026-27).

At BayArena

Bayer Leverkusen have won 11 of their last 20 at BayArena.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder, Bayer Leverkusen have the edge.