Bayer Leverkusen convincingly won the dress rehearsal for their appearance in the Europa League 4-1 (2-0) against Hertha BSC on Sunday (March 5th, 2023) and has moved into the top half of the table in the Bundesliga. Sardar Azmoun (12′), Jeremie Frimpong (21′), Moussa Diaby (60′) and Amine Adli (73′) scored for the Werkself. In the meantime, Dodi Lukebakio reduced the penalty with a penalty (67th).
With 31 points, Bayer is now ninth and four points behind seventh place, which may be enough for international business. Hertha remains in the table basement – a point currently separates the Berliners from the relegation zone.
“The performance wasn’t good today. We were always a step too late. And Leverkusen made great use of that with their speed.”, Hertha’s coach Sandro Schwarz was dissatisfied. The emotional state of his fellow coach Xabi Alonso was completely different: “The players knew exactly what they needed against Hertha today.”
Bayer with a lot of speed
Right from the start, Leverkusen used their speed advantages to play quickly into the lead and rewarded themselves for the first time after twelve minutes: Frimpong put the ball from the baseline into the backcourt, where Azmoun completed it. In return, Hertha’s Marco Richter almost had the right answer ready, but just missed. Oliver Christensen then strongly prevented the Azmoun brace (17th).
The next attack was again too fast for Hertha: Moussa Diaby won the running duel on the right side and served the Frimpong in an exemplary manner. Bayer then controlled the game with the lead behind them. The only downer for the hosts: The strong Frimpong had to be substituted after half an hour with an injury, Timothy Fosu-Mensah came on for him.
Leverkusen effectively in front of goal
After the break, Diaby had the first chance and tested Christensen from distance (54′). Bayer’s third goal was rated “world class”: Diaby played to Florian Wirtz, who used a back-heel trick to set the ball straight and sent the attacker back on track with a through ball like a dream.
A single action gave Hertha hope again: Marvin Plattenhardt moved into the penalty area and was fouled by Fosu-Mensah. Lukebakio safely converted the penalty that was due. But Bayer stifled the budding again when Adli shot into the far corner after a pass from Patrik Schick and the decision was made.
Leverkusen in the Europa League against Ferencvaros
Before returning to everyday league play, Bayer Leverkusen will host Ferencvaros Budapest in the round of 16 of the Europa League (Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 6.45 p.m.).
The Bundesliga continues for Leverkusen in Bremen (Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.). Hertha BSC plays at home against Mainz 05 the day before (3:30 p.m.).