December 01, (THEWILL) – Bundesliga side, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, booked their place in the knockout phase of the 2023/2024 UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening, courtesy of a 2-0 away victory over Swedish side, BK Häcken. Manager Xabi Alonso rang the changes, but his side maintained their undefeated record across all competitions this campaign.
Despite heavy rotation from Alonso with Sunday’s pivotal league clash against Borussia Dortmund in mind, the visitors quickly seized the initiative. Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, headed the German club in front after just 14 minutes following good work down the right from new signing Josip Stanisic.
Content to sit on their lead with progression already assured, Leverkusen offered little going forward for the remainder of the first half. The hosts very nearly capitalised but wayward finishing and last gasp defending kept the scores 1-0 at the interval.
Alonso afforded highly rated 18-year-old starlet Noah Mbamba minutes after the restart whilst exercising further caution as conditions worsened. Their patient approach ultimately paid dividends though when Patrik Schick, making his first start since February, doubled the lead in the 74th minute with Stanisic again the provider.
Buoyed by his goal, the Czech striker led the pursuit of a third but ultimately Bayer were untroubled in securing the victory. The result leaves them eight points clear at the top of Group B ahead of their final pool match against Molde.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
