West Ham's Europa League Dream Ends at The Hands of Bayer Leverkusen
Bundesliga Champions Prove Too Strong for Hammers in Quarter-Final Clash
Late Goals Sink Moyes' Men as European Adventure Comes to an End
West Ham United's Europa League adventure came to a frustrating end on Thursday night as they fell to a late 2-0 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite a valiant effort and a spirited performance, the Hammers were ultimately undone by two late goals from Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface.
The first leg had been a one-sided affair, with Leverkusen recording 33 shots to West Ham's one. However, Moyes' men had shown great resilience and determination to keep the tie alive going into the second leg at the London Stadium.
The hosts started brightly and created a number of chances in the first half, but they were unable to find the breakthrough. Leverkusen grew into the game as the half progressed and had a number of chances of their own, but they were also kept at bay by a resolute West Ham defense.
The game remained goalless until the 80th minute, when Hofmann broke the deadlock with a clinical finish from the edge of the area. West Ham pressed for an equalizer, but they were caught on the break in the 90th minute, and Boniface sealed the victory for the visitors.
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