FC Metalist Kharkiv 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen: Report

17 February 2011 18:29
Sam puts Leverkusen in command Sidney Sam's two goals at the death ensured Bayer Leverkusen will bring a commanding lead back to Germany for the second leg of their Europa League last-32 clash. Eren Derdiyok put them ahead at half-time and Gonzalo Castro made it 2-0, but Metalist Kharkiv remained in the game after an improved second-half showing. But Sam had other ideas and left the Ukrainians with a mountain to climb next week. Derdiyok's overhead kick was the first effort of note, Vladimir Disljenkovic confidently fielding the shot. The goalkeeper was equally untroubled as Renato Augusto looped a header goalwards from Derdiyok's free-kick and Sam then shot wide before Derdiyok made it 1-0. Hanno Balitsch was the provider, squaring the ball from the left for the Switzerland striker to slot home from close range after 22 minutes. Manuel Friedrich headed Renato Augusto's corner over the bar before Metalist's first attempt at goal saw Jonathan Cristaldo fire wide from long range. Taison smashed a free-kick into the wall but was much closer two minutes later, his left-footed effort from an angle hitting the upright and bouncing to safety. Disljenkovic turned Renato Augusto's 25-yard shot around the post and Arturo Vidal was off target as half-time arrived with no further score. Metalist's Cleiton Xavier warmed the palms of visiting goalkeeper Rene Adler early in the second half before Derdiyok again shot wide. Sergey Valyaev did likewise at the other end and Gonzalo Castro tried his luck from 20 yards but found Disljenkovic safely behind the shot. A superb effort from Derdiyok was parried away by Disljenkovic but Bayer were not to be denied as Gonzalo Castro's six-yard finish doubled their lead in the 72nd minute. Derdiyok fired wide of the left post, Simon Rolfes was denied by the feet of Disljenkovic - without whom the scoreline could have been even more one-sided - and Stefan Kiessling shot wide. Sam had the final say, though, as he tucked away left-footed after being set up by Rolfes in the last minute and then finishing from the edge of the box after latching onto Lars Bender's through-ball.

FC Metalist Kharkiv 0-4 Bayer Leverkusen: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game as it happened.

Source: DSG