As the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals approach their climax, the tie between West Ham United and Bayer Leverkusen stands out for its narrative of grit against glory. This Thursday, the London Stadium plays host to the second leg of a duel that has thus far underscored the contrasting fortunes of its protagonists. The Hammers, erstwhile darlings of European nights, are now up against the Herculean task of overturning a two-goal deficit against a side that have dominated the European football discourse this season.
Date: 18/04/2024
Kick-off time: 20:00
Location: London Stadium
West Ham, currently sitting 8th in the Premier League with 48 points, have experienced a campaign of solid performances tempered by moments of stark challenges. This season was marked by high expectations following a spell of commendable performances in Europe, having reached the semi-finals of this competition in the 2021-22 season before winning the Europa Conference League last season. These achievements not only bolstered their reputation but also heightened the ambitions among the fanbase and within the club itself.
However, this term's European journey paints a different picture. In the first leg of this quarter-final, David Moyes' side found themselves overwhelmingly outplayed. The statistics from the game are telling: a mere 27% possession and just one shot on goal reflect a team that was consistently on the back foot. Bayer Leverkusen, by contrast, unleashed a barrage of 33 shots, highlighting the disparity in attacking thrust. The eventual breach of West Ham's defence came late in the game, with Jonas Hoffman breaking the deadlock in the 83rd minute, followed by Victor Boniface doubling the lead shortly after. This late collapse was a microcosm of a game that saw West Ham mostly confined to their half, marshalling their resources in a bid to contain a relentless Leverkusen.
The challenges for Moyes do not stop with just the need to overturn a 0-2 deficit. Squad depth and fitness are pressing concerns, with key players missing for the pivotal game. This compounds the task at hand, where West Ham not only need to prevent Leverkusen from scoring but also find the net multiple times themselves.
In stark contrast to their English counterparts, Bayer Leverkusen approach the second leg with an air of invincibility that has been the hallmark of their season. Under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen have not only topped the Bundesliga but are also on the verge of completing a historic unbeaten season. With 76 points in their domestic league and the title all but secured, their focus is now undivided in their pursuit of European glory.
Leverkusen's first-leg performance, though initially frustrating, eventually showcased their superiority and depth. Despite the delay in opening the scoring, their persistent pressure paid off, placing them in a commanding position for the return leg. Their late goals not only demoralised West Ham but also demonstrated Leverkusen's ability to sustain their assault and capitalise on their chances.
The luxury of having already wrapped up the Bundesliga allows Leverkusen to channel their energies towards adding a second Europa League title to their cabinet, their first being in 1988. This focus could prove crucial in maintaining their unbeaten run and conquering Europe once more.
From a tactical standpoint, West Ham are likely to adopt a more aggressive posture at home, given the deficit they need to recover. This could see Moyes tweaking his formation to support more forward thrust, possibly at the risk of exposing his defence to Leverkusen’s counter-attacks. Key to West Ham's hopes will be their ability to create and capitalise on set-piece opportunities, a scenario where they have shown prowess in the past.
Leverkusen, comfortable with a two-goal cushion, might opt for a balanced approach, maintaining their fluid attacking style while being cautious not to commit too many players forward. Alonso’s tactics will likely include controlling the pace of the game and exploiting any gaps in West Ham’s push forward.
As the lights brighten over the London Stadium this Thursday, West Ham face a monumental challenge, one that tests their resolve and their capacity to defy odds. Leverkusen, riding high on confidence and form, will look to cement their place in the semifinals. The game sets up not just as a clash of clubs but as a battle of contrasting football philosophies and seasons. For West Ham, it is about salvaging pride and possibility, while for Leverkusen, it is about asserting dominance and continuing a dream run. Whichever way the pendulum swings, the night promises to be a memorable one in the annals of European football.
Premier League 
Bundesliga 
