West Ham exit Europa League with Leverkusen draw

Michail Antonio netted his maiden goal of the current Europa League campaign in a match against Bayer Leverkusen.

The hopes of West Ham for continuing the Europa League were crushed when Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen equalized in the final minutes of the match. The loss also meant that West Ham missed the opportunity of becoming the only team to defeat the new German champions this season.

David Moyes's team got off to a great start in their effort to reverse a two-goal disadvantage from the first leg, thanks to Michail Antonio's header in the 13th minute at London Stadium.

However, even though they controlled the game during the beginning, they couldn't manage to break through the Leverkusen defense for another score.

The team led by Xabi Alonso showed an improvement in their performance after half time, although Jarrod Bowen's attempt towards the far post was the closest chance to score but it was blocked by Matej Kovar.

Frimpong missed the target after sprinting past the opposing team's defenders, however, he managed to redeem himself in the 89th minute by hitting a shot that was heavily deflected by Aaron Cresswell, resulting in the ball flying past Lukasz Fabianski.

Leverkusen were successful in maintaining their impressive unbeaten streak since losing 3-0 against Bochum on May 27th of the previous year. This record has lasted for 328 days and has led them to a semi-final matchup against Roma, who defeated AC Milan to advance.

Honestly speaking, West Ham seemed exhausted and had no more strategies left before Frimpong scored the equalizer.

Their fans warmly applauded them, showing their appreciation for an unforgettable three-year journey filled with European exploits. This journey culminated in a historic achievement last season, as they secured their first trophy in 43 years by winning the Europa Conference League.

It is possible for them to qualify for the European season for the fourth time in a row, but they must perform much better in the Premier League than they have been lately. Additionally, there is no certainty about the fate of their current manager, David Moyes, as his contract is due to expire at the end of this season.

West Ham Tired & Out Of Ideas After Fast Start

The fact that Bowen received the loudest cheers when his name was announced before the game clearly demonstrated his significance on the night. This was particularly notable since another crucial forward, Lucas Paqueta, was absent due to a suspension.

Bowen, who was absent during the initial match, demonstrated his value to the team by producing an exceptional pass which enabled Antonio to execute a header.

Despite missing the first leg, Mexico's midfielder Edson Alvarez had a significant role in keeping Leverkusen trapped in their own half during the first part of the game that was largely controlled by West Ham. This makes him a debatable candidate for having a greater influence on the game.

Kovar prevented a goal by using his legs to block Bowen's shot towards the far post. He also made a spectacular save by diving low to stop an impressive shot from Mohammed Kudus. Additionally, he caught a header from Antonio, despite it being more advantageous for the forward to leave it for Tomas Soucek who was unmarked and in a better position to score.

However, similar to the scenario from the competition's previous edition, when West Ham allowed a goal early in the first leg versus Frankfurt and had Cresswell expelled in the following one, their journey ahead was not without obstacles.

In the previous match, Kostantinos Mavropanos, a central defender, was not able to continue playing. Before that match, another central defender, Nayef Aguerd, also got hurt. This happened as he tried to take the ball away from Patrik Schick and had to stretch his body.

Moyes was unable to call upon Paqueta, Emerson, and Kalvin Phillips, which hindered his ability to bring new energy to the team. Though the team fought hard, Moyes was unable to use Danny Ings and Divin Mubama as they remained on the bench.

Now, the focus will shift to the Scottish manager, who some supporters believe has not fully utilized the players available to him, despite achieving significantly better results than in previous times.

Leverkusen Prepares To Avenge Against Roma

The problems experienced by the visitors in the first half made it crucial for Victor Boniface to be introduced during the break. This was because his performance in the previous week greatly influenced Leverkusen's success, which destroyed West Ham's previous efforts.

Finally, it was those eight minutes during the time spent in Germany that ended up being the crucial moment.

Last season, Roma defeated Leverkusen in the semi-finals, but now Leverkusen has the opportunity to retaliate.

It should be an exciting game because of how well they've been playing this season and because of how much better the Italians have been doing under the new boss, club icon Daniele de Rossi.

The standout performer of the game The player who shone the brightest during the match The individual who made the biggest impact on the game and stood out from the rest The one who exhibited exceptional skills, talent, and effort on the field The most distinguished player of the game who was a key factor in their team's success The star player who outperformed everyone else and was recognized for their outstanding contribution to the match.

On an average, the score stands at 7.60.

Match official: José María Sánchez Martínez

The game is over, and the final score is West Ham United with one point and Bayer 04 Leverkusen with one point as well.

The second half has come to a close with West Ham United and Bayer 04 Leverkusen tied at one point each.

Ben Johnson from West Ham United tried to score a goal with a shot using his right foot from a long distance but unfortunately missed the target towards the left side of the goal post. He received help in the form of an assist from James Ward-Prowse.

Victor Boniface from Bayer 04 Leverkusen tried to score from the middle of the box with his left foot but unfortunately missed. Jeremie Frimpong helped by setting up a quick attack.

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) committed a violation.

Maxwel Cornet from West Ham United earns a chance to take a free kick in the attacking zone.

The referee has declared that Victor Boniface from Bayer 04 Leverkusen has committed an offside offense.

The try was stopped. Tomás Soucek (West Ham United) directed a header with precision towards the middle of the box, but it was blocked near the goal. James Ward-Prowse used a cross to assist Soucek's attempt.

At the corner area, there was an error made by Exequiel Palacios resulting in a goal for West Ham United.

Amine Adli from Bayer 04 Leverkusen committed a foul.

On the right side of the field, Jarrod Bowen from West Ham United earns a free kick.

Amine Adli, who plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, was given a warning for celebrating too enthusiastically.

Score! West Ham United and Bayer 04 Leverkusen are now tied at one goal each. Jeremie Frimpong, a player for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, made a left-footed shot towards the bottom left corner of the box, with assistance from Josip Stanisic.

Replacement made by Bayer 04 Leverkusen as Robert Andrich takes the place of Florian Wirtz on the field.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has been given an offside penalty. Florian Wirtz was found to be in an offside position.

The referee has given Matej Kovár (who plays for Bayer 04 Leverkusen) a yellow card.

West Ham United have committed an offside offence. Michail Antonio has been found to be offside.

The referee gave Tomas Soucek from West Ham United a yellow card.

The referee gave Exequiel Palacios (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) a cautionary yellow card.

Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer 04 Leverkusen made a foul.