Bayer Leverkusen Reach UEFA Youth League Semifinals With Dramatic Win

Youngsters Shine as Leverkusen Overcome Salzburg

Sensational Victory Secures Place in Final Four

Bayer Leverkusen's Under-19 team has secured a dramatic victory over FC Salzburg in the UEFA Youth League quarterfinals, booking their place in the final four of the prestigious competition.

After a goalless first half, Leverkusen took the lead through a stunning strike from midfielder Emrehan Gedikli. However, Salzburg equalized just minutes later, setting up a tense finish.

The match remained on a knife-edge until the final whistle, with both teams creating chances but failing to find a winner. In extra time, Leverkusen's resilience paid off as striker Iker Bravo scored a clinical goal to secure the victory.

Bayer Leverkusen will now face Benfica in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to the final in Nyon, Switzerland, on April 25.

Match Highlights

• Bayer Leverkusen dominated possession throughout the match, with 62% of the ball.
• Salzburg had the better chances in the first half, but failed to convert their opportunities.
• Emrehan Gedikli's goal in the 52nd minute gave Leverkusen a deserved lead.
• Salzburg equalized through Noah Okafor in the 65th minute.
• Neither team could find a winner in regulation time, forcing extra time.
• Iker Bravo scored the decisive goal for Leverkusen in the 110th minute.

Quotes

“We are incredibly proud of this team. They showed great heart and determination to win this match,” said Leverkusen coach Hannes Wolf.

“Salzburg is a very good team, but we deserved to win today. We created more chances and played with more intensity,” said Leverkusen captain Jan Boller.

“It was a tough match, but we never gave up. We knew we had the quality to win, and we showed it today,” said Leverkusen goalscorer Emrehan Gedikli.

Conclusion

Bayer Leverkusen's victory in the UEFA Youth League quarterfinals is a testament to the club's excellent youth development program. The young players have shown great talent, determination, and teamwork throughout the competition, and they will be confident of going all the way to the final.