With two matchdays to go, Bayer 04 have all but reached the knockout phase of the Europa League. A win on Thursday against Celtic Glasgow could significantly reduce the stress for the Werkself.
The direction of travel is clear. First place in Group G of the Europa League, which would qualify Bayer directly for the last 16 of the competition. As group runners-up, the Werkself would still have to contest the knockout-round play-offs after the group stage, in which the eight group times in the Europa League would battle it out with the eight group thirds in the Champions League for the remaining eight places for the last 16.
A win against Celtic would clinch group victory
With a win on Thursday against Celtic Glasgow, Bayer 04 could spare themselves two very complicated games in their busy schedule. A win against the Scots would be tantamount to a secure group victory, as the Bundesliga team won the direct comparison against their closest rivals Real Betis Sevilla (1:1; 4:0).
So the watchword on Thursday is: all in for the win. “That’s our goal, “ said defender Jonathan Tah, commenting on the early achievement of the group win. That’s exactly how we should keep it up.” That’s also how manager Rudi Völler sees it, saying: “On Thursday, we want to get the points. “
Ideally, great rotation in Budapest
With a treble against Celtic, 1st place would be safe. And in addition to the two knockout games Bayer would even “save” a third game: the last group game in Budapest. Because in this game, coach Gerardo Seoane could then rotate to the maximum due to the lack of sporting significance and spare all his regulars and perennial favourites.
A win against Celtic would therefore reduce the burden on Bayer’s professionals this season without being eliminated from another competition after the cup knockout against KSC (1:2). Incidentally, Bayer are almost certain to progress to the Europa League: only a defeat by four or more goals against the Scots, whom they beat 4-0 in Glasgow, would allow the Bundesliga club to lose out on one of the top two places.
The omens for a successful performance against Celtic on Thursday are probably slightly improved. One or two of the injured quartet who were missing against VfL Bochum could return to the 20-man squad against the Scottish Premiership runners-up.
Bellarabi is close to a return
Against the promoted Leverkusen coach was still without Lucas Alario (knee), Patrik Schick (ankle), Karim Bellarabi (thigh) and Charles Aranguiz (calf/ Achilles tendon). However, according to Seoane, this was only done out of “caution”, as “the joint decision not to take any risks”. Against Celtic, it could be a different story, especially with Bellarabi the furthest along of the four candidates, all of whom are close, in terms of a place in the matchday squad. In Bayer’s final by three games less stress.
