Bayer Leverkusen and Celta Vigo Triumph in European Cups

Bayer Leverkusen dominated the clash in Piraeus, breaking down the Greek champion's defense in the second half. The hero of the evening was Patrik Schick, who scored twice in just three minutes. He netted his first goal in the 60th minute after a precise pass from Ernest Poku and shortly after increased the lead with a header from a corner kick. The Bayer team thus avenged a defeat suffered in the league phase at the same stadium. Team captain Robert Andrich emphasized the team's determination and support from former players, including Florian Wirtz. In the Europa League, Spanish side Celta Vigo gained a valuable advantage by winning 2:1 against PAOK in Thessaloniki. Goals for the visitors came from Iago Aspas and Williot Swedberg, although a consolation goal from Alexander Jeremejeff late in the match gives the Greeks a glimmer of hope ahead of the return leg in Galicia. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos drew with Viktoria Plzeň, and Karol Świderski featured in that match. However, the Pole had to acknowledge the superiority of his attacking teammate, Andreas Tetteh, who scored two goals for the Athenian club after coming off the bench. The Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki is known for its extremely fanatical atmosphere, often described as hell, making away victories for European giants at this venue a rarity in cup history.The biggest sensation of the evening, however, was recorded in Norway. Underdog Bodø/Glimt defeated Inter Milan 3:1. After an evenly matched first half, Kjetil Knutsen's side dominated the Italian giant, with goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Høgh within four minutes sending fans above the Arctic Circle into euphoria. This is another scalp for the Norwegians, who have already beaten Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in this edition. Return legs in all ties are scheduled for next Tuesday and Thursday. „It was a key moment in the match; we knew we had to take every chance in such a heated atmosphere.” — Patrik Schick