Leverkusen begin Europa League campaign with victory over Celje

Bayer Leverkusen opened their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 win against NK Celje at the BayArena, extending their unbeaten run in the competition’s group stage and League Phase to seven matches.

The result also gave new head coach Carles Martinez a third consecutive match without defeat since taking charge. Leverkusen have scored at least twice in each of those games.

Leverkusen controlled the early exchanges and created several chances before eventually finding a way through. Martin Terrier came close with a strike from distance that hit the post, while Edmond Tapsoba’s header from close range was saved by Celje goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban.

The opening goal arrived in unfortunate circumstances for the visitors. Aleix Garcia drove a low cross into the penalty area, but the delivery appeared to lack the pace to trouble the defence. Celje defender Svit Seslar attempted to intervene and instead diverted the ball into his own net.

Garcia remained central to Leverkusen’s attacking play, influencing the midfield and testing Leban with a number of efforts as the German side looked to extend their lead.

Celje still posed a threat before half-time, particularly on the counter-attack. Mark Flekken made an excellent save to keep out Seslar, having earlier denied Benjamin Verbic with a crucial double stop.

Leverkusen continued to dictate the game after the interval, although Leban kept Celje within touching distance. The goalkeeper saved a header from Facundo Medina before producing another important intervention to turn Afonso Moreira’s long-range effort over the crossbar.

Celje’s resistance was finally broken for a second time moments later.

From the corner that followed Moreira’s attempt, Medina met the ball with a powerful volley and found the net. The goal gave Leverkusen a firm grip on the match and effectively ended Celje’s hopes of earning a result.

Leverkusen managed the closing stages comfortably to secure a confident start to their European campaign.

The victory extends their winning run in the Europa League group stage and League Phase to seven matches. For Celje, it was another disappointing result as they continue to struggle for the form that helped them win the Slovenian title last season.

They have now won only one of their past seven matches.