- Home >
- Soccer >
- UEFA Europa League >
- Xabi's Leverkusen Achieve The Best Unbeaten Streak in Europe's Top 5
Xabi's Leverkusen Achieve The Best Unbeaten Streak in Europe's Top 5
The Bayer Leverkusen salvaged their unbeaten record this season in the nick of time, thanks to a goal from Jeremie Frimpong in the 89th minute, extending their unbeaten streak to 44 matches and advancing to the Europa League semifinals with a 1-1 draw against West Ham United.
They held onto their 2-0 lead from the first leg in Germany, despite Xabi Alonso's side producing one of their most lackluster performances of the season and facing the prospect of extra time or worse if it weren't for West Ham running out of steam in the second half.
David Moyes' team, who have struggled throughout the campaign and were banking on a miracle to overcome Leverkusen, started the game strongly.
Ten minutes in, Bowen delivered a perfect cross for Michail Antonio to muscle ahead of the uninspired Kovar and score the opening goal.
Shortly after, Mohammed Kudus provided a desperate cross and Bowen, unmarked at the far post, was denied by Kovar's leg, redeeming himself and keeping Leverkusen in the tie.
The save proved pivotal as West Ham, despite maintaining control of the match, failed to create clear chances, and as the game progressed into the second half, they lost momentum, allowing Leverkusen to dominate possession.
Florian Wirtz, who was invisible in the first 45 minutes, began to take charge, while Exequiel Palacios controlled the midfield and dictated the tempo. The slower the pace, the better for the Germans, who almost sealed the tie earlier if not for Frimpong, who, in a counterattack, was selfish and sent the ball into the stands.
With West Ham pushing forward, Frimpong redeemed himself in the 89th minute. Again somewhat selfish, his shot took a deflection off a defender, deceiving Fabianski, who could only watch in frustration as the ball sailed past him.
With this draw, Leverkusen extends their unbeaten streak to 44 matches and will face Roma in the Europa League semifinals. The German side's treble is now within reach.