Last minute penalty and dream goal
Bayer Leverkusen continued its winning streak in the Europa League and secured progression on matchday four. The Bundesliga leaders, trained by Xabi Alonso, won 1-0 (0-0) at Qarabağ FK on Thursday with a hand penalty in the third minute of stoppage time. Victor Boniface converted confidently in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. After four of six group games, Leverkusen, who have not lost a competitive game this season, have twelve points.
Alonso relied on rotation in his starting eleven. Compared to the 3-2 win at TSG Hoffenheim last Saturday, the Spaniard made six changes. Among others, goalkeeper Matej Kovar and midfielder Robert Andrich were new to the team. Bayer didn’t start the game well. It took until the 23rd minute before the “Werkself” came close to threatening Qarabağ’s goal for the first time. After a corner from Alejandro Grimaldo, who has been so strong this season, Piero Hincapié’s free-standing header was denied by former Leverkusen keeper Andrey Lunev in the hosts’ goal.
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The outsider, who had lost 5-1 in the first leg, played the game openly. Qarabağ repeatedly quickly crossed the midfield and reached the Bayer penalty area. But the hosts weren’t really dangerous at first. It was only after a misunderstanding between Hincapié and Kovar that things got tricky. Bayer’s substitute keeper, who replaces captain Lukas Hradecky in the international games, had no problems with a shot from Juninho.
After the break, Leverkusen initially took greater control. Bayer 04 had more possession of the ball and were able to run the ball well through the midfield from time to time. But the guests rarely got into the penalty area. In the 66th minute, center forward Boniface became dangerous, but Lunev reacted well and saved.
On the other side, Juninho hit his own captain Abdellah Zoubir in a promising position instead of hitting the goal. Yassine Benzia also didn’t aim accurately enough for the hosts, who were cheered on by frenetic fans. Leverkusen actually didn’t come up with much offensively in the final phase. The penalty then brought the chance to win, which Boniface didn’t miss.
Eintracht Frankfurt also wins against HJK Helsinki in the Conference League
Thanks to luck and a dream goal from Farès Chaïbi, Eintracht Frankfurt won 1-0 (1-0) at HJK Helsinki and secured their place in the Conference League over the winter. With the temperature just above freezing and on artificial turf, Chaïbi (31st minute) scored from the edge of the penalty area into the top corner. Because PAOK Thessaloniki played 2-2 against FC Aberdeen in the parallel game, the Bundesliga club’s success means they have secured the second round and have the best chance of winning the group. The game on November 30th against PAOK will be the preliminary decision. Only the group winner is directly in the round of 16.
The hosts, who had been defeated 6-0 in the first leg and had already ended the season weeks ago by winning their 33rd championship title in Finland, tried to prevent another disaster and set their own course for the future. However, a lot of things got stuck in the beginning, although the Frankfurt team initially didn’t put up a consistent fight – but also didn’t create enough scoring opportunities.
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The first big chance (7th) had great entertainment value, when Chaïbi artistically brought the ball to the goal with his heel and Helsinki keeper Niki Mäenpää directed it against the post. In the seconds that followed, it was chaotic: One after the other, Willian Pacho and Hugo Larsson poked the ball, which was just managed to be fended off by Helsinki players. The Finns then had no chance when the Algerian Chaïbi made it 1-0, who shot the ball into the right corner from the left edge of the penalty area.
“If Helsinki were more determined, it could be dangerous,” warned Eintracht sports director Timmo Hardung during the half-time break. “We have a lot of control of the game going forward, but we would like to have a few more chances and goals.” The hope was not fulfilled, as Helsinki worked courageously to equalize in front of around 10,000 spectators and the Hessians did not do enough to score another goal. However, they almost made it 2-0 in the 54th minute through striker Omar Marmoush. However, he missed from ten meters.
National goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (61′) proved to be a savior in an emergency when he blocked a shot with his foot from Santeri Hostikka, who was charging towards him alone. It was precisely in this situation that it became apparent that the coordination in the defense chain was not optimal due to the loss of regular players Robin Koch and Tuta, who were replaced by Aurélio Buta and Hrvoje Smolcic. This also applied in the 68th minute, when the goal was conceded after an unjustified free kick, but was not recognized by the referee.
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