Leverkusen crush Slavia Praha in UEFA Europa League

Source: Xinhua| 2020-12-11 09:57:00|Editor: huaxia

BERLIN, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen sealed top spot in Group C after cruising passed Slavia Praha 4-0 on Leon Bailey's first-half brace in the Europa League on Thursday.

The "Werkself" caught a bright start on home soil as they needed only eight minutes to open the scoring. Karim Bellarabi had enough space on the right wing before squaring the ball to the far post where Bailey tapped home from very close range.

The Jamaica international should have made it 2-0 in the 16th minute but his shot from a tight angle was defused by Slavia goalkeeper Ondrey Kolar.

Leverkusen thought they had extended its lead but Daley Sinkgraven's goal was ruled offside by the referee with 26 minutes gone.

It was a frustrating first half for Slavia, who was barely able to cross the midfield, as Leverkusen dominated proceedings on the pitch and doubled its advantage at the half hour mark. Patrik Schick's shot on target rebounded off the right post before Bailey completed the job from very close range in the 32nd minute.

With the 2-0 lead Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz reacted and benched Bailey and Schick at half time.

It was a noticeable change as the hosts struggled to get back into the rhythm of the first half, while Slavia Praha unleashed its first promising effort on target through Sima Abdallah in the 48th minute.

However, the goals were scored at the other end of the pitch as Moussa Diaby knew what to do with Sinkgraven's pass after nutmegging Kolar from inside the box at the hour mark.

The third goal took the wind out of Slavia's sails and Leverkusen made it four through Bellarabi, who finished off Diaby's square pass in injury time.

With the win, Leverkusen conclude the Europa League group stage atop the table of Group C with 15 points followed by Slavia Praha (12 points), Hapoel Beer Sheva (6 points) and Nice (3 points). Enditem

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