Leverkusen defeats resilient Celtic to book last-16 UEFA Europa League

Berlin, Nov 26th : .

Bayer Leverkusens Robert Andrichs brace helped them reach the round of 16 after defeating Celtic Glasgow 3-2 in UEFA Europa LeagueThe "Werkself", who took over on home soil with the kick-off, made a perfect start when Andrich scored a corner kick from Florian Witz after 16 minutes.

Although Celtic responded well, they couldnt score goals.The hosts stopped their offensive activities.

In the final stages of the first period, Leverkusens passiveness was punished by Lukas Hradecky (goakeeper) who, with nothing to do, was penalised by the video assistant referee for a foul play on Kyogo furuhashi.Josip Juranovic, a Glasgow player, scored the penalty from the spot past Hradecky and levelled the scores.

Leverkusen tried answering but the woodwork denied Moussa Diaby, then Wirtz in quick succession just prior to the break.Leverkusen got the better start after the restart but couldnt capitalize on its half chances by Diaby or Amine Adli in opening stages.

Xinhua reports that Celtic won the game with its second goal in 56 minutes.Joao Pedro Neves Filipe (known as Jota) finished off a counterattack in the bottom right corner.

Leverkusen was stunned and couldnt react, while the visitors focused on a fast-break and waited for their chance.In the 80th minute, Adli was able to show signs of life and he shot into the arms Joe Hart, Celtic goalkeeper.

Leverkusen restored parity two minutes later as Nadiem Amii teed up Wirtz’s cross for Andrich.Andrich made no mistake and scored the equaliser from close range.

The visitors were worse than ever as Diaby received Wirtzs second assist for the night.He volleyed the ball past Hart to complete the comeback in 87 minutes.

Leverkusen was dominant in the final stages, but Hradecky had the task of containing David Turnbulls dangerous attempt in the dying seconds.With just one round left, Bayer Leverkusen topped Group G with 13 points.

Betis (10 points), Celtic (6 point) and Ferencvaros (0 point) followed.akm #Leverkusen #defeats #Celtic #UEFA #Europa #League.