Bayer also wins in Budapest
Dream start sends Leverkusen to the quarterfinals
03/16/2023 10:49 p.m
Bayer Leverkusen is the only German club in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. As in the home game, the Werkself also managed a comfortable win away to Ferencvaros Budapest. Abou Diaby quickly ensures clear conditions.
After a lightning strike by the unstoppable Moussa Diaby, Bayer Leverkusen stormed into the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The Rhinelanders also won the round of 16 second leg at Ferencvaros Budapest 2-0 (1-0) and can continue to dream of their second title in European football – in 1988 they had triumphed in the previous competition, the UEFA Cup.
“That was a mature international performance. We deservedly progressed,” said Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky afterwards on RTL +. The Bayer captain also had the upcoming game against Bundesliga first Bayern Munich in mind. “Now there’s a real test on Sunday. After that, maybe we can talk about whether it was a can opener,” said the keeper and demanded: “Take the momentum.”
Budapest: Dibusz – Wingo (14 Marquinhos, 90+1 Lisztes), Abena, Knoester, Civic – Esiti, Vecsei – Zachariassen, Gojak (78 Manner), Traore – Mmaee (90 Baden Frederiksen). – Trainer: Cherchesov
Leverkusen: Hradecky – Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie (Kossouno 82) – Frimpong (Fosu-Mensah 82), Palacios, Andrich (Demirbay 86), Bakker – Diaby, Azmoun (Hlozek 71), Wirtz (Adli 71). – Trainer: Alonso
Referee: Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
Gates: 0-1 Diaby (3rd), 0-2 Adli (81st)
Viewers: 50,000
Yellow card: Cherchesov (Coach) –
Diaby (3rd) gave coach Xabi Alonso’s team the lead with the first attack, and the lightning-fast Frenchman not only scored for Ferencvaros, but also for the Hungarian crowd, who whipped up the team to catch up after the 2-0 loss in the first leg wanted, suddenly became calmer. Substitute Amine Adli (81st) followed suit in the closing stages.
At the end of May, Leverkusen wants to return to Budapest, where the final will take place in the Ferencvaros stadium. But first the quarter-finals are coming up, and Bayer can look forward to an attractive opponent in the draw on Friday (1 p.m.) at the headquarters of the European Football Union (UEFA). Manchester United, Europa League record winners FC Sevilla and Juventus Turin also made it through to the next round.
Bakker still forgives, then Adli collects the reward
His team was “ready,” Alonso said before the duel with the Hungarian record champions. Leverkusen came with the confidence of four wins from the past five competitive games – and got off to a dream start. Edmond Tapsoba served the starting Diaby with a long ball, the winger easily shook off his opponent Mats Knoester and converted.
Shortly afterwards Mitchel Bakker could have caused danger, but the cross from the full-back was far too harmless. This initially also applied to the Hungarians, until the ball suddenly fell at Amer Gojak’s feet. However, the 26-year-old failed to get in front of Leverkusen’s goal at Lukas Hradecky (22′). The Finnish national goalkeeper was lucky when Adama Traore shot the crossbar (38′).
At the start of the second half, Alonso again demanded full concentration from his team – and again the Bundesliga club was wide awake from the start. Bakker (50th) missed the great opportunity to make it 2-0, his shot was blocked at the last moment. A goal by Jeremie Frimpong (52′) was ruled offside, Sardar Azmoun (56′) and Diaby (57′) with a shot at the post missed further chances. Adli rewarded the efforts in the final phase.