Summary: Super-subs make the difference
Alonso made seven changes to the team from the weekend’s 1-0 win at Union Berlin and they immediately got down to business. Amine Adli and Alejandro Grimaldo had early attempts, while West Ham’s Emerson almost put into his own net with an attempted clearance. Lucas Paqueta picked up a yellow card for the visitors that rules him out of the return fixture. Despite leading 18-1 on chances and seeing over three quarters of the ball, Bayer 04 remained without a goal at the break. The second half started in a calmer manner, before Emerson was also given a booking that means he’ll sit out the second leg next week. It looked like the game would end goalless until Alonso made his changes. Hofmann fired home with seven minutes remaining before Boniface headed in a second in added time. You can read more on the game in our report.
Reaction: “It all worked out in the end”
Alonso spoke afterwards of a “clear focus on the Europa League. We were set up to face a deep-sitting opponent, played with patience and didn’t allow any counter-attacks.” The Spaniard then stressed looking ahead to the return fixture in London: “It’s a good result, but it’s not over. Next week we’ll turn to the second leg. Our focus now is fully on the Bremen game.”
Goalscorer Hofmann explained what Alonso had told him before his introduction in the final quarter of an hour: “He gave me tactical instructions. He wanted me to be more of a second striker. We needed a presence in the box. It all worked out in the end.”
Granit Xhaka also spoke afterwards about the virtue of patience “that you just need to have in moments like this. We knew that West Ham would sit deep. But we showed that we don’t let it stress us.” When asked about the support of the fans and possibly winning the Bundesliga this Sunday against Werder Bremen, the Swiss midfielder said: “It was incredible support again today. We obviously know what can happen on Sunday. We need to play our game, can’t play in an overly motivated way – just like we did against West Ham.”
What the papers say: West Ham “cracked late on”
The media focused mainly on Alonso’s “golden touch” (kicker) in regard to his introduction of the two goalscorers. Bild stated that the Werkself are “on course for the semi-final”. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger spoke of a “deserved win”, while kicker even called it “highly deserved”. The Rheinische Post believes “there’s something in the air in Leverkusen, a special atmosphere”.
Personnel: Boniface the poacher
Boniface was Bayer 04’s top scorer in the first half of the season and showed he’s still got his goalscoring touch by netting his first goal since returning from injury. The joy on the face of the 23-year-old was clear to see as he celebrated with his teammates in front of the Nordkurve.
Things were emotional even before kick-off for Niklas Lomb. Earlier this week the 30-year-old goalkeeper extended his contract at the club until 2027 and was enthusiastically welcome by the Werkself fans for his warm-up. “16 years and more to come – thank you for your loyalty, Lombo!” was the banner in the Nordkurve as chants of “Niklas Lomb” rang out around the stadium.
Stats: A record run in Europe
The Werkself extended their unbeaten run this season to 42 competitive fixtures, which is a streak no other club in Europe can match in 2023/24.
Leverkusen dominated the first half with 18-1 shots and more than 75 percent possession. Things were similar after the break with 13 more attempts – two of them obviously finding the back of the net – and similar possession stats. While things were tight with regard to challenges, Bayer 04 were better in terms of passing with a completion rate of 91 percent compared to West Ham’s 73 percent.
Outlook: Bremen at home, then off to London
Next up for the Werkself is a potentially historic home game against Bremen, where victory will see them crowned champions for the first time ever. Then Alonso’s men head to London next Thursday for the second leg against West Ham.
Bayer 04 midfielder Ibrahim Maza was honoured in Paris in the Best Algerian Young Player category at the Fennec d'Or awards for the Algerian Footballer of the Year, organised for the first time by the football journal La Gazette du Fennec. "It's an honour for me," said the 19-year-old, delighted with the award.
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