Leverkusen should absolutely control this matchup, and the gap between these two sides is wider than the market suggests. Celje come in managerless, out of rhythm, and riding four losses in their last five, while Leverkusen have scored at least twice in four straight matches, including dominant 4–0 wins over Union Berlin and Wiesbaden. The BayArena has been a fortress — just two home defeats since January — and Carles Martínez Novell’s attack has enough depth and variety to stretch a Celje back line missing key pieces and already leaking goals. With Celje scrambling after Vitor Campelos’ exit and facing a massive jump in competition, this sets up perfectly for Leverkusen to dictate the tempo, pile on pressure, and pull away by multiple goals.

A tense second leg awaits at Ibrox as Rangers try to overturn a 2–1 deficit against Jagiellonia Białystok. The first leg exposed early‑season flaws under Derek McInnes, but the return home brings urgency, atmosphere, and a clear gap in squad quality. Jaga have shown they can punch above their weight, yet Rangers should control the tempo in Glasgow as they push to keep their Europa League campaign alive.