Bayer Leverkusen have learned their opponents for the 2026/27 Europa League group stage. The Werkself will face French clubs Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyon, following the draw held on Tuesday. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reported the pairings.
This draw presents Leverkusen with a challenging task. Both French teams are regulars in European competition and bring considerable experience. For Leverkusen, it marks a return to the Europa League for the first time since the 2022/23 season. The team qualified via their sixth-place finish in the final 2025 Bundesliga table. They secured that European spot with 59 points from 34 games, recording 17 wins, eight draws, and nine losses. Their goal difference of +21, stemming from 68 goals scored and 47 conceded, was a key factor in their league campaign.
The exact match dates will be confirmed by UEFA shortly. The group stage matches are scheduled between September and December 2026. For Leverkusen, this means additional workload alongside the Bundesliga. Preparations for this double burden are already underway. The next competitive fixture, however, is in the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen travel to face newly-promoted SV Elversberg on August 29, 2026. All upcoming fixtures can be found on our fixtures page.
The final league games before the international break were inconsistent. Their recent form from the last five matches of the previous season (DLWWL) shows there is room for improvement. The coach and team must now find the right balance between domestic and European commitments. Domestic competition remains fierce. In last season's title race, Leverkusen finished a full 30 points behind champions Bayern München.
The pairing with two teams from the same nation is a particular curiosity. It sets up a direct duel between the German and French leagues on the European stage. For fans, the away trips to Marseille and Lyon promise attractive destinations. From a sporting perspective, the group is demanding but manageable. Olympique Marseille has featured in the Champions League multiple times in recent years. Olympique Lyon, a historic club, aims to return to the European stage after a period of consolidation.
Tactical preparation for these specific opponents now begins. The scouting department will thoroughly analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the two French sides. It's important for Leverkusen to pick up points from the start of the group to secure early progression to the knockout rounds. The current squad composition and injury status is available in our squad overview.
The immediate focus is entirely on the Bundesliga opener in Elversberg. A successful start to the new season would provide key momentum for the upcoming European challenges. The team must use the time before the first Europa League match to find their optimal rhythm. Integrating any potential new signings and further work on defensive stability are central tasks.
The Europa League offers a chance to regain international prestige and generate additional revenue. For Leverkusen, it is a welcome competition to give younger players experience on the European stage. The complete statistics from the concluded season, including the detailed goal record, can be found on our stats page. Preparations for an intense autumn programme featuring both league and European football are in full swing.
