Bayer Leverkusen won 2-1 (1-0) against FC Porto, giving them a promising starting position for reaching the round of 16 of the Europa League. In the first leg of the sixteenth final, Lucas Alario scored the first goal (29th minute). Kai Havertz increased to 2: 0 (57 ‘). The connecting goal was scored in the 74th minute by Luis Diaz. The return leg will take place on February 27 in Porto.
–
The Leverkusen team finished third in their Champions League group behind Juventus and Atlético Madrid and were therefore allowed to continue playing in the Europa League. The drawn FC Porto is second in the Portuguese league. Before the kick-off there was a minute’s silence to commemorate the victims of the racist attack in Hanau.
The Rhinelander, who had the first big chance after 18 minutes, found a better game: After Kerim Demirbay’s diagonal ball, Kevin Volland had space on the left and played back on Kai Havertz, whose direct take-off bounced off the crossbar from about 13 meters.
Leverkusen had to do without Karim Bellarabi and Moussa Diaby for a short time. Bellarabi was ill and Diaby’s partner is expecting a child in France. Even without the two wingers, Peter Bosz’s team dominated. Demirbay extended a cross from Lars Bender to the second post, where Alario was right and scored 1-0 (29.). The video referee switched on and initially decided to be offside. After another consultation with the referee in the field, the goal counted.
–
Havertz takes his second chance
Leverkusen played disciplined and patient. In the event of constant rain, Porto lacked the necessary security in passing. After the change of sides, the guests felt more confident. However, Bayer was lucky enough: Volland entered the box and was held by Wilson Mafana and brought to the ground. The due penalty Havertz shot too casually, so that Agustin Marchesin could easily parry. But Leverkusen got a second chance because the referee applied a rule that is rarely observed.
Before Havertz shot, Marchesin had moved both feet away from the goal line too soon. According to the rule, he must stay on the line with at least one foot until the shot. Havertz shot in the same corner in the second attempt, again not placed, but this time Marchesin chose the other side.
–
The game became tougher, the fouls increased. Porto remained courageous and forced the connecting goal (74th). After a free kick Lucas Hradecky fended off a header, the rebound headed Luis Diaz to 2-1 – Alario could no longer interfere decisively in the header duel. In the second leg, a draw would be enough for the Leverkusen team to advance. If they lost 0-1, they would have been eliminated due to the away goals rule.
–
