Leverkusen reach Europa League semis as Frimpong rescues unbeaten run – Egypt Today

Leverkusen reach Europa League semis as Frimpong rescues unbeaten run – Egypt Today

Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Dylan Martinez



(Reuters) - Newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen reached the Europa League semi-finals but almost lost their season-long unbeaten record as they struck late to draw 1-1 away at West Ham United for a 3-1 aggregate victory on Thursday.

 

Xavi Alonso's side trailed to Michail Antonio's early header and were far below their usual high standards in the first half as the dominant hosts carved out several more chances.

 

Leverkusen, who clinched their first German title at the weekend, improved dramatically after the break and squandered numerous opportunities before substitute Jeremie Frimpong's shot deflected past Lukasz Fabianski in the 89th minute.

 

The final whistle sparked loud celebrations from the travelling Leverkusen fans who can now look forward to a semi-final against AS Roma who they lost to at that stage last season. Leverkusen are now unbeaten in 44 matches in all competitions this season and remain on course for a treble.

 

They came dangerously close to surrendering their proud record, however, and West Ham will rue not being able to take the chances they created after Antonio's goal.

 

"The intensity and stability with the ball was not good enough in the first half and we were