West Ham’s hopes of a Europa League comeback were dashed in a dramatic encounter at London Stadium as Jeremie Frimpong’s late goal denied them victory against Bayer Leverkusen, preserving the German side’s unbeaten record this season.
Michail Antonio’s early header seemed to pave the way for a potential upset, but despite their dominance, West Ham failed to break through Leverkusen’s defense for a second time. Jarrod Bowen’s efforts were thwarted by Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar, while Frimpong missed a clear opportunity before redeeming himself with an 89th-minute strike deflected off Aaron Cresswell.
The result cemented Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten streak since May last year, securing them a spot in the Europa League semi-finals against Roma, who eliminated AC Milan. Meanwhile, West Ham, though applauded by their fans for their European endeavors, face an uphill battle to secure European qualification in the Premier League amid uncertainties surrounding manager David Moyes’s future.
Bowen’s absence in the first leg underscored his importance, evident in his crucial assist for Antonio’s goal. Despite a strong first-half performance, West Ham’s momentum waned as they struggled to cope with defensive injuries and the absence of key players like Lucas Paqueta and Emerson.
For Leverkusen, the introduction of Victor Boniface at halftime proved pivotal, setting the stage for their revenge mission against Roma in the semi-finals. With both teams in formidable form, the upcoming clash promises to be a captivating encounter under the guidance of Daniele de Rossi.