Youth League: Leverkusen eliminate Porto to reach quarter-finals

Bayer Leverkusen booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Youth League after a hard-fought victory over Porto on Wednesday.

The German side secured a 3-1 win at the BayArena, with all four goals coming in the first half. Yannick Wirtz, Zidan Sertdemir and Thimo Bornemann were on target for Leverkusen, with Rodrigo Pinheiro replying for Porto.

Leverkusen started the game brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Wirtz fired home from close range. Sertdemir doubled the advantage just six minutes later with a cool finish from the edge of the area.

Porto pulled a goal back in the 25th minute when Pinheiro headed in from a corner, but Leverkusen restored their two-goal lead just four minutes later when Bornemann converted from the spot after Sertdemir had been fouled in the area.

The second half was a more even affair, with both sides having chances to score. However, neither team could find the net and Leverkusen held on to secure their place in the last eight.

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Friday, with Leverkusen set to face one of the following teams: Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid or Salzburg.