OFI Crete secures historic Europa League qualification

OFI Crete has achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the League Phase of the UEFA Europa League. Following an impressive 3-0 victory at the Pankritio Stadium in the first leg, the Greek team secured a 2-0 win against CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria on August 27, 2026, advancing with a 5-0 aggregate score. Goals from Nuss in the 37th minute and Theodosoulakis in the 78th minute sealed the result at the Vasil Levski National Stadium.

Following the match, OFI owner Michalis Bousis announced a 200,000 euro bonus for the squad. The team, coached by Christos Kontis, learned its eight opponents for the upcoming stage during the draw on August 28. OFI will face Bayer Leverkusen, Anderlecht, Lech Poznan, and Hoffenheim at home, while playing away against Benfica, Rennes, Sturm Graz, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The competition schedule will be finalized by August 30, with the league phase set to begin on September 16, 2026.