Boga scores late for Bergamo
Four days after Florian Wirtz’ bitter end of the season, the Europa League issue was resolved prematurely for Bayer Leverkusen. Coach Gerardo Seoane’s team lost 0-1 (0-0) in the round of 16 second leg against Atalanta Bergamo on Thursday. Without young star Wirtz, who will be out for months after a cruciate ligament rupture, the third-placed Bundesliga player lacked the offensive power to turn the first leg 2-3 in front of 19,871 spectators. Substitute Jérémie Boga (90+1) scored in added time for Bergamo.
For the Bayer team, which was also under pressure in the league, it was the fourth winless competitive game in a row. The ambitious Rhinelanders also failed prematurely in the DFB Cup.
At the same time, FC Barcelona reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League. After a 0-0 draw against Galatasaray in the first leg, Istanbul initially took the lead in the second leg on Thursday thanks to Marcão (28′). Teenager Pedri (37th) equalized for Barça before the break. In the second half, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continued his strong goal tally and netted in the 49th minute to make it 2-1 for the Catalans. For the former Arsenal striker it was goal number seven in his tenth game at the new workplace.
Meanwhile, AS Monaco and former Bundesliga professionals Kevin Volland and Alexander Nübel were eliminated. After the 0:2 in the first leg, a 1:1 (0:1) against SC Braga was not enough for the Monegasques to advance.
Glasgow Rangers also advanced to the next round. The Scots lost 1:2 (0:1) against Red Star Belgrade, but had gained a good cushion with the 3:0 win in the first duel.
Also in the quarters are Bundesliga side RB Leipzig after opponents Spartak Moscow were ruled out of the competition over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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