Jonas Hofmann scored one and set up another as Bayer Leverkusen continued their unbeaten run by beating West Ham 2-0 in the first leg of their UEL quarterfinal tie. The Hammers were content to sit back and defend for most of the game and David Moyes’ strategy almost worked perfectly before Leverkusen struck twice late in the game to take control of the two-legged QF.
Hofmann’s volley, through a crowd of players, put Leverkusen ahead in the 83rd minute. He then supplied the cross that saw Victor Boniface nod home in second half stoppage time.
West Ham did have one good opportunity in the first half on the counter when Michail Antonio set up Mohammed Kudus, but the Ghanian winger couldn’t make the most of it.
More crucially for West Ham, they will be without the services of influential Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta for the return leg at the London Stadium after he was booked in Germany. Also missing will be left back Emerson, who was also carded at the Bay Arena.
Leverkusen will now turn their attention to Werder Bremen, knowing that victory in this weekend clash will seal the Bundesliga title for Xabi Alonso’s side.
