West Ham United
West Ham United
Bayer Leverkusen Secure Emphatic Victory Over West Ham in Europa League
Second-Half Goals Sink Hammers in First Leg
April 11, 2024
Bayer Leverkusen put one foot firmly in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a dominant 2-0 victory over West Ham United in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday.
Despite West Ham's defensive resilience in the first half, the Bundesliga side broke the deadlock just after the hour mark through Jonas Hofmann. The German midfielder converted a cross from the right to put Leverkusen ahead.
The hosts doubled their lead 15 minutes later thanks to a header from Victor Boniface. The Nigerian forward rose highest to meet a curling corner and sent the ball into the far corner, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski with no chance.
Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, completely outplayed their opponents throughout the match. They recorded 33 shots to West Ham's one, and also enjoyed 72% possession.
The result leaves West Ham with a mountain to climb in the second leg, which will be played at the London Stadium next week. The Hammers will need to score at least twice to stand any chance of progressing to the semi-finals.
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