Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 FC Metalist Kharkiv: Match Report

24 February 2011 20:39
Leverkusen romp into last 16 Goals by Simon Rolfes and Michael Ballack earned Bayer Leverkusen a 2-0 win on the night and a 6-0 aggregate victory over Metalist Kharkiv as they eased through to the last 16 of the Europa League. With Leverkusen leading 4-0 after the first leg, Thursday night's game at the BayArena was in reality a formality and Jupp Heynckes' side will progress to the next round with confidence. Ballack began for the Germans as he looks to force his way back into the starting line-up following a string of injuries dating back to last spring. The former Chelsea player scored Leverkusen's second 20 minutes from time after Rolfes had opened the scoring two minutes after half-time. The hosts - second in the Bundesliga - almost took an early lead when Rolfes' shot from the centre of the penalty area was parried by Vladimir Disljenkovic. Shortly after, Marko Devic had a 20-yard shot for the Ukrainians which was comfortably held by Rene Adler. The Ukraine striker continued to show his attacking credentials when he unleashed another long-range shot which the goalkeeper parried. With five minutes left until the break, the hosts almost took the lead when Nicolai Jorgensen's 20-yard shot was tipped over by Disljenkovic. However, the half ended goalless after an even 45 minutes with few clear-cut chances for either side and the inevitable victory looming for Leverkusen. Two minutes after half-time Leverkusen went ahead on the night and increased their aggregate lead when Renato Augusto played the ball into Rolfes' path and the captain turned the ball across the goalkeeper and into the bottom left-hand corner. Jorgensen sent a shot over the bar before Ballack doubled the lead with 20 minutes left. Danny Da Costa played the ball to the former Chelsea player from the right side of the area and Ballack sent an emphatic shot into the centre of the goal. Da Costa sent a shot over and Kevin Kampl put a weak volley wide in the six-yard box as the teams played down time and Leverkusen completed a comprehensive victory.

Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 FC Metalist Kharkiv: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game as it happened.

Source: DSG