Xabi Alonso introduced some changes to his lineup to give rest to unquestioned starters, such as Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtzand Bayer Leverkusen avoided their first defeat of the season in extra time against a surprising Qarabag who outplayed them in the first half (2-2).
Leverkusen reacted in time and will have the chance to end the tie next Thursday at the BayArena after maintaining their streak 35 consecutive matches in all competitions undefeated since the beginning of the course, a historic record for a German team.
Grimaldo and Borja Iglesias, starters
Qarabaq already caused a lot of problems for Leverkusen in November, when they visited Baku (Azerbaijan) in the group stage and could only win with a penalty goal from Jeremie Frimpong in addition.
Despite this very close precedent, Xabi Alonso preferred to make rounds at the head of the Bundesliga, giving ownership to Borja Iglesias (he only made his debut in February after arriving from Betis), while Alejandro Grimaldo He didn’t give him a break on the left wing.
Stormy exit and Leverkusen are struggling
Qarabag came out fired up and starred in an extraordinary first half in which they tormented Leverkusen like no other rival this season with a blistering pressure that prevented them from controlling and moving the ball as usual.
Brazilian Juninho was a nightmare for Leverkusen and in the 24th minute he forced the goalkeeper. Matej Kovar to show off the shot that culminated in one of his regular internships.
Assist and goal from Juninho, a nightmare
After the next corner Marko Jankovic unleashed a shot from outside the area that hit the post after being diverted by a defender. Much to their surprise, Leverkusen immediately conceded the first goal.
Juninho steals the ball from Jonathan Tah and, after another wonderful run, he was thus delayed Yassine Benzia nailed his shot high (26′).
Leverkusen only produced a couple of goals in the first half to lead 2-0 in extra time, the work, of course, of Juninho. The Brazilian started in his field when Leandro Andrade sent him a perfect ball into space, he ran away alone and, after beating Kovar with a great touch, he scored an empty net goal. A good goal.
Xabi Alonso introduces his starters
Xabi Alonso led at half-time Frimpong and Leverkusen came out with a different attitude, took the ball. The Tolosarrra coach sent his team out and started creating danger.
At game time he came in Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz before goalkeeper Andrey Lunez took a poisoned low shot from Edmond Tapsoba after a short delayed pass from Borja Iglesias (63′).
Great goal from Wirtz after a gift
A gift from Abdellah Zoubirwho made a colossal mistake with a move into his area, allowed Leverkusen to regain lost ground. Wirtz He received the ball directly and beat Lunev by biting the ball on his way out with great quality (70′).
It’s been a tough game for Qarabag but Juninho He still got away after stealing Xhaka’s wallet on the halfway line but this time Kovar miraculously headbutted him.
Schick tie in extra time
In extra time, with a rival down and Juninho out with discomfort, Leverkusen tied a cross from Robert Andrich that newly introduced Patrik Schick headed into the net.
match lineup
99
29
27
8
13
55
fifteen
66
18
7
10
17
19
twenty
12
4
6
8
25
twenty-one
23
9
Tofik Bakhramov Stadium
Matej Kovar17
Nathan Tella19
Four. five’
Alex Grimaldotwenty
Edmond Tapsoba12
Jonathan Tah4
Odilon Kossounou6
80′
79′
Robert Andrich8
Exequiel Palacios25
57′
7′
46′
84′
Amine Adlitwenty-one
25′
90′
Adam Hlozek23
57′
90′
Borja Iglesias9
79′
Replacements
Lukás Hrádecky1
Niklas Lomb36
79′
Josip Stanisic2
80′
Piero Hincapié3
Jeremie Frimpong30
Four. five’
Jonas Hoffmann7
90′
Florian Wirtz10
57′
69′
Gustavo Puerta32
90′
Granite Xhaka3. 4
57′
84′
Patrick Schick14
79′
91′
coach
Qurban Qurbanov
Xabi Alonso
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
