Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Celje: result and AI prediction
Bayer Leverkusen – Celje, Europa League, Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 08:00 PM (GMT). Venue: BayArena
Bayer Leverkusen is #18 in the table (0 pts) and Celje #7 (0 pts). 11 places separate the two teams in the table. Absent for Bayer Leverkusen: V. Boniface, M. Culbreath, K. Eichhorn +5. Absent for Celje: A. Kotnik, J. Pisek.
AI confidence: Medium
AI match recap
Leverkusen begin their Europa League campaign with the stronger recent attacking rhythm and the benefit of BayArena. Celje arrive amid a sudden managerial change, with Zoran Zeljkovic facing his first match in charge on a difficult European trip. The visitors' best route is disciplined defending, direct counter-attacks and set-pieces, but Kotnik's suspension weakens their midfield resources. Leverkusen's main concern is whether Maza can recover in time, alongside an already stretched group of absentees.
Injuries and absences
Leverkusen's absences reduce depth in wide and attacking roles, while Maza's late status is the most important team-news issue because of his ability to receive between the lines. Celje are without suspended midfielder Kotnik and injured Pisek, leaving their midfield thinner for a match likely to demand sustained defensive work.
Form (last 5)
Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje stats
| Bayer Leverkusen | Celje | |
|---|---|---|
| Played | 0 | 0 |
| Goals scored | 0 | 0 |
| Goals conceded | 0 | 0 |
| Clean sheets | 0 | 0 |
Unavailable players
Bayer Leverkusen
V. Boniface, M. Culbreath, K. Eichhorn, J. Hofmann, T. Oermann, N. Tella, E. Ben Seghir, I. Maza
Celje
A. Kotnik, J. Pisek

Bayer Leverkusen
Celje