Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 NK Celje

The UEFA Europa League League Phase fixture took place on 16 September 2026 at the BayArena in Leverkusen. Bayer Leverkusen hosted Slovenian side NK Celje in front of a home crowd, both teams eager to secure the three points on offer.

How it unfolded

The match opened with both sides probing for an early advantage, but the decisive moment arrived in the 15th minute when Svit Seslar inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, gifting Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 lead. The own goal, recorded as “Own Goal by Svit Seslar, Celje. Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1, Celje 0,” shifted the momentum in favour of the hosts and forced Celje to chase the game.

For the next half-hour the score remained unchanged, with Leverkusen consolidating their advantage and Celje looking for an equaliser. The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Facundo Medina broke the deadlock. Medina received a well-timed cross from Aleix García following a corner and slotted a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the high centre of the goal. The description reads: “Goal! Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2, Celje 0. Facundo Medina (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Aleix García with a cross following a corner.” This second strike cemented the home side’s control and effectively sealed the match. No further goals were recorded, and the game concluded with a 2-0 victory for Bayer Leverkusen.

Standout performers

  • Facundo Medina – Scored the second goal in the 74th minute, finishing a cross from Aleix García.
  • Aleix García – Provided the decisive assist for Medina’s strike after a corner.
  • Svit Seslar – Although unfortunate, his own goal in the 15th minute set the tone for the match.

Match facts

  • Final score: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 NK Celje
  • Scorers:
    • 15’ Own goal – Svit Seslar (NK Celje)
    • 74’ Goal – Facundo Medina (Bayer Leverkusen), assist by Aleix García
  • Bookings: None
  • Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen

What it means

The win awards Bayer Leverkusen three points in the UEFA Europa League League Phase, strengthening their position in the competition, while NK Celje return to the group without any points from this encounter.