Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje

Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their Europa League campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celje at the BayArena, giving their shaky season a much-needed lift. The standout moment came early, when a slick give-and-go sent Martin Terrier through, only for his low effort to crash off the post, a warning sign for the visitors. Celje gifted the hosts the lead in the 15th minute, as Svit Sešlar turned a cross into his own net. The game stayed tense until the 74th minute, when Facundo Medina popped up at a corner and finished with a clean volley to make it 2-0. Both sides made wholesale changes around the hour mark, with Leverkusen bringing on Jarell Quansah, Afonso Moreira and Ezequiel Fernández, but the scoreline held firm. The result is a welcome reset for Bayer Leverkusen, who had managed just four points from three Bundesliga games and conceded five goals under new boss Carles Martínez, a clean sheet here could be the springboard he needs. For Celje, already seventh in Slovenia and without a win in four of their last five, it's another difficult night on the road under new coach Zoran Zeljković.