Bayer Leverkusen Stun Barcelona, Advance To Europa League Quarters

Youthful Leverkusen Surprises Barcelona

Bayer Leverkusen's youngsters pulled off a stunning upset on Thursday, defeating Barcelona 3-2 at Camp Nou to advance to the Europa League quarter-finals.

Barcelona entered the match as heavy favorites, having won the first leg 2-3 in Germany. But Leverkusen, led by a youthful squad, played with impressive energy and determination.

The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute through Moussa Diaby, who fired home a low shot from the edge of the area. Barcelona equalized just before the half-hour mark through Robert Lewandowski, but Leverkusen restored their lead before the break through Florian Wirtz.

Barcelona once again drew level in the second half through Ferran Torres, but Leverkusen refused to be denied. In the 88th minute, teenager Iker Bravo scored the winning goal, sending the German side through to the last eight.

The result was a major shock, as Barcelona had been expected to comfortably progress to the quarter-finals. However, Leverkusen's young players showed great character and quality to pull off the upset.

Leverkusen will now face Atalanta in the quarter-finals, with the first leg taking place in Germany on April 13.