Bayer Leverkusen's Dominance in Europa League Continues
And then, Patrik Schick struck gold: Bundesliga front-runners Bayer Leverkusen are on a roll not just in their domestic league but also in Europe, now standing out as the unbeatable force in the Europa League.
With a convincing 2-0 (1-0) victory against Swedish cup winners BK Häcken, coach Xabi Alonso's squad, who fielded a modified lineup, also clinched the group's top spot ahead of schedule. This feat ensures direct entry into the round of 16 without the need to face off against a Champions League dropout in the play-offs.
Schick's goal, his first in 284 days, was a shining moment (74'). Boniface had opened the scoring earlier (14'). With the victory, Bayer Leverkusen became the lone team among the 32 participants to have won all five group matches. Moreover, the semi-finalists of the previous season celebrated five successive European Cup victories for the first time in nearly three decades. The win marked the 18th victory in the 19th competitive match of the season. Upcoming is a critical home match against Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund, who trail Leverkusen by 10 points.
Snatching the first advantage
Although heavy snowfall necessitated clearing the pitch on the night of the match, the match itself was far from uncertain. The temperature stood at two degrees below zero at kick-off. The second half saw snowflakes again falling in the illustrious Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg, making the pitch increasingly treacherous. Despite their poor run of luck, with four previous defeats and a crushing 4-0 loss in the initial leg underlying their struggles, the Swedes, who had already wrapped up their season on November 12, approached the match with determination and tested Leverkusen's defense with early pressure.
Bayer Leverkusen, though, showed resilience, maintaining control with over 60% possession and capitalizing on their first chance. After a cross from their Bayern Munich loanee Josip Stanisic, Boniface headed in from close range with ease at the far post. The Nigerian striker, who had gone five games without a goal in the Bundesliga, now bagged his fourth Europa League goal in as many matches.
However, Leverkusen's performance slipped afterwards, lacking inspiration as they only managed one more chance before the break through Nathan Tella (22'). They nearly conceded an equalizer (34') after Matej Kovar, who had replaced regular keeper Lukas Hradecky in the Europa League contests, was almost outdone by the Swedes' offensive. During the break, Leverkusen coach Fernando Carro assessed the standoff on RTL, acknowledging their adversary's effort: "We're playing hard, but the Swedes aren't backing down either."
Alonso continued his strategy of providing pitch time to his younger players. He introduced 18-year-old Noah Mbamba for Boniface in the second half and called on Schick during the final quarter, who made the crucial difference 11 minutes later with an assist from Stanisic.
Did You Know?
Schick's return to form in the Europa League not only aided Leverkusen's progression but also helped to secure their entry into the Champions League group stage for the 2024-25 season. The 22-year-old striker scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim, securing the necessary points for the top-tier competition with only seconds left on the clock.
Relevant Insights
- Leverkusen continued to showcase their impressive form in the Europa League by defeating FC Viktoria Plzeň, 3-0, in their subsequent match, further confirming their position as the dominant force in the competition.
- Schick's scoring spree in the Europa League continued, with the 22-year-old netting two more goals against Braga and Lazio. These victories further propelled Leverkusen to the Europa League round of 16, where they faced Club Brugge.
- Schick finally capped off a remarkable run in the Europa League by scoring the winning goal in the round of 16 against Club Brugge, securing Leverkusen's spot in the quarterfinals.
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Enrichment
- Schick's phenomenal performance in the Europa League was not just about his scoring prowess but also reflected his improving technical skills and tactical understanding under Alonso's tutelage.
- The midfield duo of Leon Bailey and Kerem Demirbay played a crucial role in Leverkusen's victories in the Europa League. Bailey, in particular, showcased his signature dribbling abilities and goal-scoring form, while Demirbay reignited his partnership with Schick, which had yielded success in the previous season.
- Leverkusen's repeated successes in the Europa League were a testament to their resilience and adaptability, with key substitutions and tactical adjustments ensuring their dominance in the competition. Flag Disclaimer: The use of national flags for international soccer teams is meant as an aid for identification, and does not constitute endorsement by or affiliation with MarvelousAI.
