Bayer Leverkusen secured a narrow 2-0 victory over West Ham United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash. This result extends their incredible unbeaten run to a staggering 42 games across all competitions.

Late Drama at BayArena

The match remained goalless for the majority of the game, with both sides showcasing strong defensive displays. However, the drama unfolded in the final stages as Leverkusen introduced substitutes Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface, proving to be a masterstroke by manager Xabi Alonso.

Hofmann broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute, pouncing on a rebound to fire past West Ham's goalkeeper. With the clock ticking down and the Hammers pushing for an away goal, Boniface rose to the occasion in stoppage time. He connected superbly with a cross to head the ball home and seal a crucial victory for Leverkusen.

Leverkusen's Treble Dreams Alive

This win adds another chapter to Leverkusen's remarkable season. Sitting atop the Bundesliga with a commanding 16-point lead and already reaching the German Cup final, Xabi Alonso's men are in a prime position to achieve a historic treble.

What Next For Leverkusen and West Ham

West Ham, on the other hand, face a significant challenge in the return leg. Despite a valiant defensive effort, their lack of cutting edge in attack proved costly. They now need to overturn a two-goal deficit at home if they want to progress to the Europa League semi-finals.

With Leverkusen's unwavering momentum and West Ham's need for a comeback, the second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter. The fight for a place in the Europa League's final four is far from over.

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