Lech Poznań - Bayer 04 Leverkusen 0:4

Before the three-week international break, Lech began their Europa League campaign with a 4:0 defeat to Crystal Palace - a Premier League side. In the second week of October, they returned to domestic action, securing a convincing 4:1 victory over Śląsk Wrocław before turning their attention to their European clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

The guests dominated the opening minutes, enjoyed plenty of possession, and launched attacks toward Lech’s goal. The Poznań side defended resolutely until the 25th minute, when Bayer’s players appealed for handball inside the hosts’ penalty area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded the Germans a penalty, which Patrik Schick converted confidently to open the scoring. Bayer didn’t take long to threaten again. Mateusz Lis made two important saves, but Tillman eventually found the net to extend the guests’ lead.

Lech then managed to create a chance of their own. Patrik Wålemark unleashed a powerful long-range effort, but Tapsoba and Flekken combined efforts to keep the ball out. Just before halftime, the referee turned to VAR once again. After reviewing an incident involving Mateusz Skrzypczak, the referee awarded a second penalty to the German side. Schick made no mistake with a powerful finish, scoring his second goal of the match and putting Bayer further ahead.

Michał Gurgul tried to pull one back before the break, but Bayer’s goalkeeper remained alert. After the break, Mikael Ishak unleashed a powerful shot towards goal, but Flekken stopped it once again. Mateusz Lis also produced three excellent saves before the final whistle. Unfortunately, in the 88th minute, Ibrahim Maza put the result beyond doubt - Bayer won possession in their own half and launched a swift counterattack, which Maza finished to make it 4:0.

Lech will have another opportunity to claim their first points in the Europa League league phase on Thursday, October 22nd, when Frederiksen and his men face Sunderland. Before returning to European action, however, the Poznań side must first take on Korona Kielce in PKO BP Ekstraklasa.