Fantastic starting eleven comeback for Patrik Schick, perfect group phase for Bayer Leverkusen: The Bundesliga leaders underlined their title ambitions in the Europa League and were the only team to storm into the round of 16 without losing any points. With the easy 5:1 (3:0) win against the Norwegian Cup winners Molde FK, last year’s semi-finalists took their sixth win in their sixth game on Thursday.
Returnees Schick (7th), Edmond Tapsoba (22nd), an own goal from Martin Ellingsen (25th) and Adam Hlozek (60th/70th) scored the goals for the Werkself, who have now been unbeaten in 23 games. Eric Kitolano scored the visitors’ consolation goal (75′).
As confident group winners, that was already clear before the game, coach Xabi Alonso’s team will avoid the second round against the Champions League relegated teams. On Sunday (5.30 p.m./DAZN) against Bayern conqueror Eintracht Frankfurt and on Wednesday (8.30 p.m./Sky) against VfL Bochum, Bayer wants to maintain its lead in the league at the end of the year.
Alonso rotates hard
Alonso rotated hard at the start of the home game, resting seven league regulars. Homegrown player Niklas Lomb was allowed to play in goal, and Schick started in the center of attack – after his long-term adductor injury and most recently a torn fiber in his calf, for the first time since November 2022.
And the Czech had no teething problems: after Robert Andrich won the ball, he was given too much space and finished from the edge of the box with his strong left foot. The 27-year-old had already scored against BK Häcken and Paderborn in the cup.
After the narrow 2-1 in the first leg, Bayer made things clear this time early: Tapsoba caressed a cross from Jonas Hofmann into the far corner, and the guests put Nathan Tella’s cross in ping-pong style.
With a triple chance shortly before half-time, Tella failed to block, Schick hit the post with a fine volley and finally Hlozek shot free from five meters (44′) – Alonso could hardly believe it on the sideline.
Schick’s working day ended in the 59th minute, and he wants to continue building up his work, especially with a view to the Africa Cup of Nations in the new year. Hlozek increased the score after a strong solo with a powerful shot from distance.