Bayer Leverkusen clearly put Swedish champions BK Häcken in their place with a convincing performance in the Europa League.
Bayer Leverkusen won its start in the Europa League 4-0 (2-0) against Swedish champions BK Häcken on Thursday (September 21st, 2023). Florian Wirtz (10th) and Amine Adli (16th) gave the Werkself an early lead. Victor Boniface (65th) and Jonas Hofmann (70th) made the decision.
Bayer overwhelms Häcken at the start
Leverkusen immediately started at full throttle: after two minutes, Amine Adli tested Peter Abrahamsson in the Swedish goal for the first time. Debutant Nathan Tella was also denied by the goalkeeper (6th). The third attempt was crowned with success: Victor Boniface sent a dream pass to Wirtz, who confidently converted. The guests were still completely overwhelmed and Adli used a precise cross from Granit Xhaka to score the second goal.
Abrahamsson saved the Swedes from conceding their third goal with a double chance from Boniface (24th). Häcken then fought his way into the game better and Bayer took a short break. Simon Sandberg tested Matej Kovár seriously for the first time in the B04 goal (38th). Leverkusen remained dangerous on the counterattack – Wirtz narrowly missed the brace shortly before half-time.
New arrivals are also arriving in Europe
After the break, Bayer went on the attack again: Boniface was denied by Abrahamsson (47′), Alex Grimaldo was blocked (55′). Leverkusen now largely controlled the game. The agile Boniface made the decision after Leverkusen won the ball high. Hofmann increased the score with a direct shot into the far corner after an assist from Wirtz.
Despite the clear lead, the hosts didn’t let up. Exequiel Palacios didn’t aim precisely enough when he finished (76′). Adli got another header shortly before the final whistle, after which the clear opening success was perfect.
