Bayer Leverkusen remained on course for an historic treble as they secured a 3-1 aggregate win over a brave West Ham in the Europa League.
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West Ham draw 1-1 with LeverkusenAntonio & Frimpong score in Europa League tieGermans on course for historic trebleTELL ME MORE
After a 2-0 first-leg defeat, West Ham had to start fast and the hosts delivered when Michail Antonio headed home Jarrod Bowen's sumptuous cross in the 13th minute. A raucous home crowd spurred the Hammers on as the recently crowned Bundesliga champions looked vulnerable at London Stadium. In an often heated clash, the Irons gave it their all, with Jarrod Bowen going closest to an equaliser, but David Moyes' tiring side just couldn't summon the energy to grab a second. To rub salt into their woundd, Jeremie Frimpong's effort deflected off Aaron Cresswell in the 89th minute to make it 1-1 as a fiercely competitive West Ham bowed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE MVP
Mohammed Kudus: While the former Ajax star didn't get on the scoresheet or bag an assist, he typified West Ham's fearless approach against Leverkusen, as his pace and trickery caused Xabi Alonso's side so many problems all night. A superb display from the Ghana international.
THE BIG LOSER
Odilon Kossounou: While his side stretched their unbeaten run to 44 games and progressed to the last four of the Europa League, the Leverkusen defender was hooked after 29 minutes after a dreadful start to the match. A day to forget for the Ivorian.
GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?
After this result, Leverkusen, who are also vying to win the DFB-Pokal cup, will face Roma in the semi-finals of the competition in early May. In the Bundesliga, Alonso's team travel to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, whereas West Ham face Crystal Palace on the same day.