Match Overview

Bayer Leverkusen hosted Celje at the BayArena for the opening match of the UEFA Europa League league stage. The hosts claimed a 2-0 victory by the final whistle, managing the tempo and creating more attacking opportunities over the course of the ninety minutes.

Opening Goal and First Half

The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute. Celje's S. Seslar inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 advantage. This early incident shaped the trajectory of the first half.

Second Half and Decisive Goal

Bayer Leverkusen sealed the result in the 74th minute. F. Medina found the back of the net following an assist by A. Garcia, extending the lead to 2-0 and effectively putting the game out of reach for the visitors.

Substitutions and Tactical Changes

Both managers utilized their benches extensively around the hour mark. In the 60th and 61st minutes, Bayer Leverkusen introduced J. Quansah for Lucas, A. Moreira for M. Terrier, and E. Fernandez for M. Tillman. Celje responded by bringing on B. Kramer for A. Kucys and M. Ivansek for Y. Dukuly.

Further changes followed as V. Tusha replaced B. Verbic for Celje in the 69th minute, while C. Kofane came on for P. Schick for Leverkusen in the 71st minute. In the 80th minute, the final substitutions saw E. Ben Seghir replace M. Diaby for the hosts and P. Daniel replace L. Ticic for the visitors.

Match Statistics and Comparison

Bayer Leverkusen dominated possession with 56% to Celje's 44%. The German side registered 17 total shots, with 8 on target, 5 off target, and 4 blocked. They recorded 11 shots from inside the box and 6 from outside, alongside 6 corner kicks and 2 offsides. Leverkusen completed 546 of 619 attempted passes for an 88% accuracy rate, generated an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.93, and made 3 goalkeeper saves while committing 16 fouls.

Celje recorded 5 total shots, with 3 on target, 1 off target, and 1 blocked. Their attempts consisted of 4 inside the box and 1 outside. The visitors earned 2 corner kicks, were caught offside once, and completed 441 of 500 passes, also achieving an 88% passing accuracy. Celje's expected goals (xG) stood at 0.90, their goalkeeper made 7 saves, and the team committed 10 fouls.