Leverkursen cruise to 4-0 over Rosenborg
A hat-trick from Patrick Helmes helped Bayer 04 Leverkursen to a 4–0 victory over Norwegian champions Rosenborg BK on Thursday in UEFA Europe League Group B action. Stefan Reinartz also got on the scoresheet
for the Germans.
Leverkursen, fourth in the Bundesliga last season, dominated proceedings against the Scandinavian visitors, who apart from a few chances in either half never looked threatening.
"Tonight the individual skills of some players made the difference, without a doubt Patrick was one of them," Leverkursen coach Jupp Heynckes said after the game. "We didn't allow Rosenborg to play their
game and I'm happy — especially for my younger players — with the way we won the game."
Leverkursen on top early on
Striker Helmes took only four minutes to make an impact, as Sami Hyypia's excellent through ball picked out Sidney Sam. Rosenborg right-back Mikael Dorsin let Sam in too easily, and the German had no problems
serving Helmes an open goal with a square cross.
With nothing to lose, Rosenborg pushed ahead in attack as Steffen Iversen forced a fine save from Rene Adler after 15 minutes.
Nicolai Jorgensen had two efforts saved by Rosenborg's Daniel Orlund before the German team struck again. Sam found his way through Rosenborg's crowded defence to hit a shot that was blocked by the defence.
Reinartz, having pushed up from his defensive midfield position, found the ball rolling to him outside the area, and the German found the top corner with stunning accuracy to put Leverkursen up 2–0.
At the start of the second half, Rade Prica came close for the Norwegians after Eren Derdiyok had forced a save from Adler.
Helmes adds two simple goals
With 58 minutes gone, Helmes got his second goal when Orlund was cuaght off-guard. Racing onto a through ball down the left of the area, the Swedish keeper left his near post uncovered in anticipation
of a cross. Helmes saw the opening and struck the ball into the corner.
Sam came close to getting a goal for his team, but instead of the left winger opening his account, it was Helmes who struck again after some more sub-par defending by Rosenborg.
Reinhartz found Daniel Schwaab in space on the left-hand side. The 22-year-old was given plenty of time to pick out Helmes' run into the box with his left foot, and Leverkursen's number 9 was not about
miss an easy chance to claim his third. His cushioned header bounced once before finding the corner of Orlund's net.
Rosenborg play Greek side Aris Thessaloniki at home in the next round, while Leverkursen face a tough away test to Spain's Atletico Madrid.
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