Bayer Leverkusen delivered an impressive performance in the Champions League, defeating Salzburg 5-0. Florian Wirtz shone with two goals, while Alejandro Grimaldo, Patrik Schick, and Aleix Garcia also found the net. This victory, crucial for advancing to the knockout stages, came after previous setbacks, showcasing the team’s resilience despite injury concerns. Wirtz’s standout display earned him the Player of the Match award, and the win revitalized Leverkusen’s hopes in the tournament.
Bayer Leverkusen Dominates Champions League Clash
In a thrilling Champions League encounter, Bayer Leverkusen showcased their prowess with a decisive victory over Salzburg. Right from the start, VAR played a supportive role, and it quickly became evident that the home team was in control, establishing an early lead. The Werkself fans were treated to an electrifying performance, particularly from Florian Wirtz, who has become a key player in their journey toward the knockout stages.
Wirtz Shines in Front of Home Crowd
As the clock ticked down with just fifteen minutes remaining, the 30,000-strong crowd erupted in applause for Wirtz, who had netted two goals in a stunning display of skill. The young star acknowledged the fans’ adoration as he departed the pitch, his satisfaction evident. With this impressive outing, he propelled the double winners toward their largest Champions League victory, bringing them closer to the coveted knockout phase.
“It was a lot of fun. We gave it our all from the first minute, brought our qualities onto the pitch, and had a lot of dominance,” Wirtz stated while clutching the Player of the Match trophy after the emphatic 5-0 triumph (3-0 at halftime) against RB Salzburg. This win revitalized Bayer’s chances for direct advancement into the round of 16.
Wirtz opened the scoring in the 8th and 30th minutes, while Alejandro Grimaldo added another with a spectacular free kick (11th). Patrik Schick (61st) and Aleix Garcia (72nd) rounded out the scoring, delivering a belated birthday gift to coach Xabi Alonso, who celebrated his 43rd the day prior. Following a draw in Brest and a disappointing 0-4 loss in Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen returned to winning ways in the Champions League, eyeing a spot in the elite eight with ten points from five matches.
Despite concerns about injuries to four attacking players, including top scorer Victor Boniface, Granit Xhaka’s call for a victory resonated, and the team executed his directive flawlessly from the onset.
Wirtz tested Salzburg’s goalkeeper Alexander Schlager early on, but it was the persistence of Leverkusen that paid off. A penalty was awarded after a shot from Schick struck Salzburg defender Samson Baidoo’s arm, and Wirtz converted with confidence. Bayer quickly extended their lead, with Grimaldo’s free kick curling beautifully into the net after Wirtz was fouled just outside the box. Although the game settled into a rhythm, Leverkusen maintained the upper hand, with Schlager making key saves to deny Grimaldo and Xhaka.
Wirtz further solidified his dominance with a sensational solo run leading to his third goal of the Champions League season, making it 3-0. The hosts continued their offensive display, and while Salzburg struggled to create opportunities, Bayer pressed on for more goals. Schick narrowly missed a header before scoring the fourth from close range, and after Wirtz narrowly missed his hat trick, Garcia added the final touch to a brilliant team performance with assistance from Wirtz.