Youth League: Bayer 04 Leverkusen Thrash Celtic 4-0 in Round of 16 First Leg

Sensational Bayer 04 Leverkusen put one foot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League after thrashing Celtic 4-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie on Wednesday.

The German side dominated the match from start to finish, creating numerous chances and eventually converting four of them. Leverkusen took the lead in the 20th minute through Iker Bravo, who finished off a fine team move with a cool finish.

The hosts doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later when Zidan Sertdemir fired home a stunning long-range effort. Celtic struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the first half, and Leverkusen went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half was much the same as the first, with Leverkusen continuing to dominate possession and create chances. They extended their lead in the 60th minute when Emrehan Gedikli tapped home from close range following a cross from the right flank.

Celtic's misery was compounded in the 75th minute when substitute Jan Angerer made it 4-0 with a fine individual effort. The Scottish side had no answer to Leverkusen's attacking prowess, and the German side cruised to a comfortable victory.

The result leaves Celtic with a mountain to climb in the second leg, which will be played in Glasgow on March 8. Leverkusen, meanwhile, will be confident of finishing the job and securing their place in the quarter-finals.

In other Youth League action on Wednesday, Barcelona defeated Manchester United 2-0, while Inter Milan beat Ajax 2-1. The second legs of these ties will be played on March 15.