In the middle of the second half everything looks as if Leverkusen have the round of 16 of the Europa League as good as certain. But AS Monaco fights back and forces extra time. There is no more goal, Bayer wins on penalties. It’s an unusual first.
Bayer Leverkusen kept hopes of their last title chance alive with a penalty kick thriller and made it into the round of 16 in the Europa League. Coach Xabi Alonso’s team won the second leg of the second leg at AS Monaco 5-3 on penalties. After extra time it was 3:2 (3:2, 2:1). In the wild first leg a week ago, Bayer had to admit defeat 2: 3. In their 30th European Cup appearance, it is the first time that Leverkusen have reached the next round despite a home defeat – because all the shooters of the Werkself, who were otherwise so uncertain from the point, scored. Monaco’s Eliot Matazo hit the crossbar.
“It’s definitely very nice to be able to celebrate with everyone again,” said Wirtz on RTL after the first small party with the fans. He expected them to win. “But it’s still very nice to let the emotions out. It wasn’t an easy game, so the atmosphere is really good.”
The outstanding Florian Wirtz (13th) gave Bayer a deserved lead. After Wissam Ben Yedder (19th) equalized with a penalty kick, Exequiel Palacios (21st) restored the lead. Amine Adli (58th) increased. After the second goal by substitute Breel Embolo (84th), Moussa Diaby made the decisive penalty for a happy ending. It was not clear until just before kick-off whether the ailing French international would be able to play at all. The Werkself’s round of 16 opponents will be determined in the draw on Friday (1 p.m.) in Nyon.
Leverkusen started the game very well at the Stade Louis II. Mitchel Bakker hit the side netting with the first action (2′). After Ben Yedder narrowly missed at the other end, Exequiel Palacios (10′) and Amine Adli (11′) tested Alexander Nübel on loan from Bayern.
Wirtz then scored the well-deserved lead from a completely free-standing position after Nübel slipped through a cross from Jeremie Frimpong. But the joy was short-lived as out of nowhere Edmond Tapsoba conceded a penalty by fouling Eliesse Ben Seghir – captain Ben Yedder converted safely.
The Werkself didn’t give up, continued to play well away from home and took advantage of the unsorted Monegasque defence: Palacios shot from the edge of the penalty area and didn’t give Nübel a chance. Bayer kept his foot on the gas and controlled the game. Adam Hlozek failed with a powerful long-range shot at Nübel, who found the game better and better (34th).
Leverkusen came out strong and deservedly increased through Adli, who was served perfectly by Wirtz. But nothing was decided yet: Ben Yedder, best Monegasse, hit the bar (60th). Another Leverkusen goal from Bakker was ruled out due to offside, and Hlozek hit the outside of the post (69′). Then Embolo scored and forced extra time.
