Leverkusen battle hard to overcome a determined Celtic in 3-2 thriller
A Robert Andrich brace and two Wirtz assists turn around end-to-end game for Die Werkself
| Robert Andrich. | Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen |
Gerardo Seoane’s side didn’t wait long before scoring the first goal of the game. Robert Andrich easily nodded home Florian Wirtz’s corner after being left completely unmarked with acres of space to covert from 6 yards out.
Celtic equalised to make the score 1-1 on 40 minutes. B04 goalkeeper Hradecky smashed into Celtic striker Furuhashi while attempting to clear a cross, giving the referee no option but to award a penalty. Juranovic did his best Antonin Panenka impression as he dinked an incredibly composed and audacious spot kick in off the crossbar.
Adli should have regained Leverkusen’s lead on 53 minutes, however Hart did brilliantly to smother the ball at the feet of the French striker. Less than three minutes later Celtic went 1-2 in front. An unfortunate slip for ex-Celtic player Frimpong let Furuhashi set up Portuguese winger Jota who hammered home first time of asking.
Andrich got his 2nd goal of the night on 82 minutes. Substitute Amiri cushioned the ball down for the central midfielder who drilled a shot under Hart to maintain their unbeaten European campaign thus far. B04 flipped the game on its head again soon after. German teenage sensation Wirtz lifted a ball to Diaby on the edge of the box who made it 3-2 with a sweet volley.
This result insured Leverkusen top their respective group ahead of the final Matchday 6 trip to Ferencvaros. Nonetheless, Seoane’s side must quickly turn attentions to the small matter of playing red-hot RB Leipzig, whom they travel to this Sunday afternoon.
