Bayer Leverkusen extended their unbeaten streak to 42 games across all competitions after goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface put Xabi Alonso’s side in a comfortable 2-0 lead against West Ham heading into the Europa League second-leg next week.
The hosts dominated the first half, with every outfield play camped in or around West Ham’s penalty area. Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka continued to probe but despite 77% possession in the first half, they were unable to test Lukasz Fabianski a great deal. Not only that, Michail Antonio looked dangerous on the break for West Ham, but he was unable to find an end product.
Bayer Leverkusen started the second-half very much like the first. It was all Bayer but the introduction of Hofmann for Amine Adli in the 76th minute changed the game. He opened up the scoring with a superb volley after West Ham failed to clear their lines from a corner but not only that, Hofmann also registered an assist for Boniface who headed in Leverkusen’s second in added time.
Once again, Xhaka continued to put in an excellent performance. With 94% pass accuracy (136/144), the Swiss midfielder kept the ball moving as Leverkusen probed. A complete performance, Xhaka recorded two key passes, won four of his five ground duels and had 157 touches of the ball.
Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings
Matej Kovar (7); Josip Stanisic (7), Jonathan Tah (8), Edmond Tapsoba (6); Jeremie Frimpong (6), Exequiel Palacios (8), Granit Xhaka (8), Alex Grimaldo (7); Florian Wirtz (8), Amine Adli (7); Patrik Schick (7).
Others: Piero Hincapie (6), Nathan Tella (6), Jonas Hofmann (8), Victor Boniface (7)
