Bayer Leverkusen – West Ham: Leverkusen’s Dominance Rewarded Late (2-0)

Bayer Leverkusen dominated this game from the start with their fluid possession game in a 3-4-3 system against West Ham’s low-block defending, as well as aggressive counterpressing. They experienced a slight lull in the second half, but Xabi Alonso’s substitutions eventually helped them to a 2-0 victory.
Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen turned their attention to the Europa League on Thursday night as they hosted David Moyes’ West Ham side. The visitors, still looking back fondly on last season’s Europa Conference League win, were keen for more European success.

Xabi Alonso’s side started in a 3-4-3 system, with a back three of Josip Stanišić, Jonathan Tah, and Edmond Tapsoba. Jeremie Frimpong and Álex Grimaldo were the wing-backs, while Exequiel Palacios and Granit Xhaka played in central midfield. Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli were the number tens supporting Patrik Schick up front.

Moyes decided to match Leverkusen’s 3-4-3 shape, with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Kurt Zouma, and Aaron Cresswell at the back. Vladimír Coufal and Emerson Palmieri were the wing-backs, while Tomáš Souček and James Ward-Prowse were central. Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paquetá played behind striker Michail Antonio.

Leverkusen’s dominance
The pattern of this game was set very early on. West Ham would sit very deep in a 5-4-1 defensive block, and Leverkusen would patiently try to break them down while suppressing West Ham’s counter-attacking capabilities.

Leverkusen’s territorial dominance was extensive, as they often found themselves with all ten outfielders within forty yards of West Ham’s goal. The back three were very . . .