Bayer Leverkusen Crush Elversberg to Reach German Cup Last 16
Clinical Leverkusen Dominate in Front of Home Crowd
Leverkusen, Germany
Bayer Leverkusen produced a clinical performance to thrash lower-tier side Elversberg 4-0 at home on Tuesday and book their place in the last 16 of the German Cup.
The Bundesliga side controlled possession and created numerous chances throughout the match, with Patrik Schick opening the scoring in the 16th minute. The Czech striker pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Robert Andrich doubled Leverkusen's advantage 10 minutes later with a powerful header from a corner kick. Moussa Diaby extended the lead further in the 62nd minute after a slick passing move, slotting the ball home from close range.
The fourth goal came in the 79th minute, with Karim Bellarabi tapping in from close range after a cutback from Diaby. Elversberg, who play in the third tier of German football, offered little threat to Leverkusen's defense and were unable to register a single shot on target.
The win extends Leverkusen's unbeaten run in all competitions to four matches and gives them a boost ahead of their Bundesliga clash with RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Schick Continues to Impress
Patrik Schick has been in excellent form for Leverkusen this season, scoring 11 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions. His goal against Elversberg was his sixth in the German Cup, making him the competition's leading scorer.
The Czech international has established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the Bundesliga and will be crucial to Leverkusen's hopes of success this season.
Leverkusen Aim for DFB-Pokal Success
Bayer Leverkusen have a rich history in the DFB-Pokal, having won the competition five times. They last lifted the trophy in 2019 and will be hoping to add to their collection this season.
The German Cup provides Leverkusen with a chance to secure a route into European competition, as the winner qualifies for the UEFA Europa League. With a strong squad and some favorable draws, Leverkusen will be confident of making a deep run in the competition.
