Leverkusen Chase Fourth Straight Win in Europa League, Marseille Stuck at the Bottom

Bayer Leverkusen will host Marseille in the next round of the 2026/27 Europa League league phase at the BayArena on Friday (early morning WIB). A fourth straight win is the target for Carles Martínez's side, which currently sits second in the standings, separated from Benfica only by goal difference.

Leverkusen have been impressive with three wins without conceding: beating Celje 2-0, silencing Lech Poznań 4-0, and overcoming OFI Crete 2-0. They are the only team in the competition yet to concede, underlining the solidity of a back line that has been the foundation of Die Werkself's strong form.

On the other side, Marseille arrive in poor condition. The club coached by Bruno Génésio lost their first three league-phase matches: thrashed 4-1 by Beşiktaş, beaten 0-1 by Olympiacos, and humbled 0-1 by Sturm Graz. Those results leave Marseille third from bottom of the 36 teams, far from expectations after finishing fifth in Ligue 1 last season.

For Leverkusen, this match is not merely about preserving a perfect record. A win would strengthen their position at the top and give them confidence ahead of a congested schedule. Marseille, by contrast, are on the brink of crisis. A fourth straight defeat could trigger heavy pressure on Génésio, who is seen as having failed to lift the team's performances in European competition.

"We have to bounce back immediately. There is no time to dwell on bad results. Every match is a final for us," Génésio said at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by the club's official website.

Tactically, Leverkusen are expected to rely on possession and quick counterattacks. The back line commanded by Jonathan Tah will be tested by the pace of Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Meanwhile, Marseille need to improve an attack that has scored just one goal in three matches.

Indonesian context: This match is an intriguing spectacle for football fans in Indonesia who follow European competitions through digital platforms. Leverkusen, known as a club that develops young players, could serve as a reference for Indonesian teams in building a solid and efficient foundation of play. Marseille, with their long history, are an example of how a big club can sink without consistency.

With 36 teams competing in the league phase, every point is precious. Leverkusen have a strong chance of securing a place in the upper zone, while Marseille must pick up a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Will Leverkusen continue their dominance, or can Marseille spring a surprise? The answer will be settled on the pitch.