Nathan Tella: Bayer Leverkusen set sights on 2027 Europa League final

Nathan Tella says Bayer Leverkusen are determined to reach the UEFA Europa League final in Frankfurt in May 2027 as they target another successful campaign in the competition.

The Super Eagles forward was speaking on Wednesday at a pre-match press conference before Leverkusen’s league-phase away match against Lech Poznan on Thursday, October 15.

Tella was part of the Leverkusen side that went unbeaten on their way to the 2023/24 Europa League final, where they were beaten 3-0 by Atalanta in Dublin. He said the experience had strengthened the club’s desire to challenge for the trophy again.

“Those were magical nights. We want to build on those, as well as the last few games,” Tella was quoted as saying by Leverkusen’s official website.

The 27-year-old also highlighted the personal importance of the competition. His first European appearances came in the Europa League with Leverkusen, and he scored his first goal for the club in the tournament during a 2-1 win over Molde on October 5, 2023.

“This competition means a lot to me. They were my first games in Europe,” he added.

Although Leverkusen’s run in 2024 ended with defeat by Atalanta, Tella remains focused on helping the club go further this season. He said the team’s ambitions had not been reduced by the disappointment of losing the final.

“Our ambitions haven’t changed. We go into a competition to win it. We want to be there in Frankfurt in May. That’s our aspiration,” he concluded.

Leverkusen began their 2026/27 Europa League campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Slovenian side NK Celje. They now travel to face Polish champions Lech Poznan, with another three points the objective in the league phase.