Bayer Leverkusen begin Europa League campaign with comfortable win over Celje

Leverkusen’s start under new head coach Carles Martínez has been steady rather than spectacular, but they quickly showed why they are considered among the contenders for the trophy. 

Match highlight

The 2024 Europa League runners-up dominated from the opening stages and created several chances before eventually breaking the deadlock.

Martin Terrier struck the post from distance, while Edmond Tapsoba saw his close-range header saved by Celje goalkeeper Zan-Luk Leban.

The hosts finally found the breakthrough they deserved, albeit with a slice of fortune. Aleix Garcia’s cross into the penalty area lacked pace, but Celje midfielder Svit Seslar could only divert his attempted clearance into the bottom corner of his own net.

Leverkusen continued to press after taking the lead, with Garcia at the heart of their attacking play. The Spanish midfielder forced Leban into two saves of varying difficulty, while Terrier was denied again late in the first half.

Celje did pose an occasional threat, however. Mark Flekken produced an excellent save to prevent Seslar from making amends, before the Dutch goalkeeper made an important double stop to deny Benjamin Verbič.

Leverkusen retained control after the interval, although Leban once again kept the visitors in the contest with a fine save from Facundo Medina’s header. The Celje goalkeeper then enjoyed a fortunate moment when substitute Afonso Moreira’s long-range effort struck the crossbar after Leban appeared to misjudge its flight.

But Leverkusen made their pressure count from the resulting corner. Medina met the delivery with a crisp volley to double the home side’s advantage and put the result beyond doubt.

The second goal ended any realistic hope of a Celje comeback and capped an energetic, committed Leverkusen display. The result leaves Martínez’s side unbeaten in their last three matches, having scored at least twice in each of them as they continue to settle under their new manager.

For Celje, meanwhile, it was a seventh-match run containing just one victory—a stark contrast to the team that swept to the Slovenian title last season.