Leverkusen established control early in the match, with Alex Grimaldo doubling their lead in the 30th minute. The Spaniard’s goal came from a well-coordinated team effort, further solidifying Leverkusen's dominance. However, the evening proved particularly difficult for Feyenoord’s goalkeeper, Timon Wellenreuther, who had a night to forget. He inadvertently assisted Leverkusen’s fourth goal just before half-time, capping a ruthless first-half display from the visitors.
At the end of the first half, Leverkusen had an expected goals (xG) total of 1.43, reflecting their clinical finishing. In contrast, Feyenoord, despite attempting more shots than their opponents, struggled to convert opportunities, finishing with an xG of just 0.87. Their inability to find the back of the net was compounded by having two goals ruled out for offside.
This defeat marked only the third time in Feyenoord’s history that they conceded four goals in the first half of a Champions League match, highlighting the challenges they faced defensively. Leverkusen’s impressive display not only puts them in a strong position in the group stage but also sets the tone for their ambitions in the tournament.
As the teams prepare for their next fixtures, Leverkusen will look to build on this momentum, while Feyenoord will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
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