Bayer Leverkusen lost to Atalanta Bergamo in the round of 16 of the Europa League. The conversion of chances was pathetic.
Leverkusen (SID) The unlucky Moussa Diaby looked sadly at the raging away block and straightened his socks. Twice the French striker from Bayer Leverkusen had the huge opportunity to lead, twice he hastily shot the goalkeeper from Atalanta Bergamo – and Bayer was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Europa League.
The dream of a long European Cup trip burst earlier than hoped. The Werkself lost their round of 16 second leg against the tactically clever Italians 0-1 (0-0) through a goal by Jeremie Boga in injury time. Bayer had already lost the first leg 2:3.
Bayer Leverkusen “very disappointed”
“We did better than in the first leg,” said central defender Jonathan Tah. “We’re very disappointed, more was possible.” When the goal was conceded late (90+1), Tah simply let his opponent Boga run past him.
Super talent Florian Wirtz (cruciate ligament rupture), Jeremie Frimpong (season ended after syndesmosis rupture) and Patrik Schick (muscle fiber rupture): Bayer coach Gerardo Seoane was missing three important pillars on Thursday. After all, Robert Andrich and Karim Bellarabi returned in the 61st minute after surviving injuries.
In front of 19,871 spectators, the first few minutes belonged to Atalanta with a slight advantage. Bayer captain and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky had no problems with the first and initially only goal from Luis Muriel, who scored twice in the first leg (6′). It became more dangerous for Atalanta keeper Juan Musso, who reacted brilliantly against the free-standing Diaby (8th).
As a result, both teams initially neutralized each other, emerging offensive actions were nipped in the bud. However, neither team took the final risk in the last third. As expected, the game was a long way from the offensive spectacle from the first leg.
A shot by Diaby from a promising position was blocked by the outstanding Merih Demiral, who made life difficult for Amine Adli. Ruslan Malinowskyj tried it on the other side for Atalanta (32nd), but shot right at Hradecky.
Towards the end of the first half, Atalanta picked up the pace a little: Muriel’s shot from a tight angle was blocked by Timothy Fosu-Mensah for a corner (35′). A direct free kick from Muriel went wide of the goal a few minutes later.
Bayer came out of the break with a lot of momentum and missed the huge opportunity to take the lead: Diaby ran alone towards Musso, but was denied by the goalkeeper who stayed there for a long time. Kerem Demirbay’s rebound was blocked by Demiral. Referee Francois Letexier asked VAR about a supposed handball – no penalty.