A goal in each half secured Bayer Leverkusen’s place in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, as they cruised to a commanding 2-0 victory over a lacklustre Sparta Prague side that struggled to pose any real threat to the German champions.
Die Werkself's breakthrough came in the 32nd minute after sustained dominance from the opening whistle.
Jeremie Frimpong picked up the ball near midfield, surged down the right flank, and delivered a pinpoint cross to Florian Wirtz, who clinically dispatched a first-time finish past Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl.
Nathan Tella doubled Leverkusen’s advantage in the 64th minute, capitalising on a rebound to slot the ball into an empty net.
Sparta goalkeeper Peter Vindahl had initially done well to parry away Alejandro Grimaldo’s well-struck free-kick from outside the box, but Tella was perfectly positioned to convert the loose ball and put the game beyond doubt.
Tella’s performance: A lively display with a clinical finish
Beyond his crucial goal, Nathan Tella delivered an active performance before being substituted in the 83rd minute for Robert Andrich.
The Nigerian winger registered two shots on target—one of which found the back of the net—while also attempting two efforts off target.
Tella completed 21 of his 22 passes with an impressive 95% accuracy and managed 42 touches throughout the match.
Despite missing a big chance, he successfully executed one dribble out of three attempts and delivered one accurate cross from five tries. Additionally, he won one of his three ground duels, contributing to Leverkusen’s dominant display.
