Krumm's own goal gives Bayer Leverkusen early lead against Celje

In Bayer Leverkusen's stadium, an own goal by Krummes opened the match against Slovenian NK Celje and put the Werkself in the lead after just a few seconds, before the team, despite numerous chances, sealed the 2-0 with a late strike from Facundo Medina.

Mixed season and significance of the Europa start

The Werkself has started the season unevenly, which is why Carles Martinez and his team were looking for a strong Europa start. A positive result in the first group stage should boost confidence. The start in the Europa League was especially important for the team.

New coach at Celje and early match developments

NK Celje had changed coaches at the start of the week, new coach Zoran Zeljkovic got his squad ready well. The match began with an own goal by Krummes, which put Bayer Leverkusen immediately in the lead. Already after about 30 seconds Moussa Diaby attempted a volley, which was blocked. The early lead from the own goal immediately put pressure on the game.

Celje quickly earned a corner, but Janis Blaswich kept the goal safe. In the next ten minutes the game remained level, before Bayer increased the pressure. Terrier shot from about 20 meters, the ball hit the right post as goalkeeper Leban reacted. However, despite the many chances, Bayer did not dominate the match.

Three minutes later Leban saved again, this time from a header by Aleix García, using his fists. On the subsequent corner, the own player Svit Seslar failed to clear the shot, and the ball rolled to Leban, who could not hold it. The ball turned into an uncontainable curling shot for Leban. The uncontainability of the ball highlighted Leban's weakness in finishing.

With the lead, Bayer pushed further forward, but Leban again made strong saves, for example when Garcia tested the keeper after 20 minutes. After the break Verbic left two Leverkusen players in the penalty area, whose shots were saved by Flekken. Despite the visitors' efforts, their uncertainty was evident, stemming from a run of defeats in the domestic league. The league group was important for both teams.

Late decision and result

After numerous substitutions, a corner in the 74th minute produced the decisive goal, as Facundo Medina scored the 2-0 with a volley. Kofane then had two good chances, but missed both narrowly. The late goal gave the Werkself the deserved security.

The 2-0 win remains unspectacular, although more goals could have been possible. It remains to be seen how much momentum Bayer Leverkusen can draw from this success for the upcoming challenges. The squad now has to approach the next group stage with similar efficiency.