Celtic stood ten minutes from a famous win in Germany but were ultimately undone by a Bayer Leverkusen late show.
Josip Juranovic's audacious penalty and Jota 's wonderful strike had the travelling fans dreaming of a massive win after Robert Andrich's header gave the hosts an early lead.
They led as late as the 82nd minute but Andrich struck again to set up a nervy finish.
A point would have been enough to take it to the final day against Real Betis but it was all over for Ange Postecoglou 's team when a spectacular Moussa Diaby volley sealed the win for the hosts.
Here are your player ratings:
Joe Hart
A stranded spectator as Andrich powered home Bayer's first and twice watched the ball rebound off the woodwork. Breathtaking stop to deny Adli which almost defied belief. Beaten twice more at close-range but a terrific display. 8
Anthony Ralston
Guilty of switching off to allow Andrich to get the run on goal for Bayer's first but the new Scotland cap did manage to keep a check on precocious teenager Florian Wirtz. 6
Stephen Welsh
Matched Jeremie Frimpong for pace to snuff out an early threat but caught flat-footed as he was outmuscled and Leverkusen's opener. Slow to react to second balls inside penalty area proved crucial. 6
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Reached superbly to make crucial 13th minute penalty box interception which would have left Wirtz with a tap-in. Overworked and eventually caved in as the Germans swamped his box. 7
Josip Juranovic
Struggled to close the space down his flank but soon got a grip of his task before executing an audacious penalty past Hradecky. Beaten for pace by Diaby at key second half chance for Bayer. 7
Nir Bitton
Took time to get up to pace of the game as he was twice robbed of possession. Key role in Celtic 's second before making way for McCarthy. 6
David Turnbull
Recovered from a crunching Palacios challenge but unable to gain a foothold in midfield after an encouraging opening. Influence faded as he was left chasing German shadows. 6
Callum McGregor
Lost his footing on several occasions but a key midfield cog where he showed the usual ball winning industry.
Drove his side forward before running out of steam 7
James Forrest
First start since August and despite the odd attacking thrust, it was a disciplined showing from the winger who matched up against Hincapie in a more defensive minded performance. 7
Kyogo
Bone shuddering collision with Hradecky earned a penalty for his pain. Played ball across for Jota to net Celtic's second and occupied the Leverkusen backline superbly. 7
Jota
Another who was forced to do his best work in defensive areas as Celtic struggled to provide him with regular and safe possession. Superbly dispatched Celtic's second with cool and accurate finish. 7
Mikey Johnston
On for Jota and carried the ball well but it was to no avail. 2
Liel Abada
Came on for Forrest and asked to go on the defensive. 2
Albian Ajeti
Given a 15 minute shift but made little impact. 2
James McCarthy
Couldn't get up to speed as midfield was swamped with late Leverkusen surge. 2
