TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen now know their opponents for the UEFA Europa League league phase after Friday’s draw established the match-ups for the competition’s new-format group stage.
The Bundesliga clubs discovered their respective schedules for the tournament, which runs from 10 September 2026 to 28 January 2027. The league phase replaces the traditional system, with teams playing single fixtures against eight different opponents rather than home-and-away ties within a four-team group.
Leverkusen to face French and Turkish tests
Bayer Leverkusen, who were drawn from Pot 1 after reaching the final in 2023/24, will face two French clubs in Marseille and Lyon. Their programme also includes meetings with Austrian champions RB Salzburg and Turkish side Beşiktaş.
The fixtures present a stern examination of the squad, with trips to southern France and Istanbul demanding careful preparation across the autumn and winter months.
Hoffenheim handed wide-ranging itinerary
Manager Carles Martínez will oversee a demanding campaign for Hoffenheim, who entered the draw in Pot 4 following last season’s fifth-place Bundesliga finish.
The Sinsheim club will host Lyon and Beşiktaş, while their away schedule features visits to Greek champions Olympiacos, Belgian outfit Anderlecht, and Crystal Palace of England. The Eagles claimed last season’s Conference League title to secure their place in this competition.
This varied opposition will test Hoffenheim’s tactical flexibility, requiring them to adapt to different footballing cultures and travel demands across the continent.
What happens next
The league phase begins in mid-September, with the final fixtures played on 28 January 2027. The top eight teams will automatically advance to the round of 16, while sides finishing ninth to 24th will contest a knockout play-off round to secure their place in the last 16.
Both German clubs will aim to navigate this congested calendar successfully and progress to the knockout stages of Europe’s secondary club tournament.