Bayer Leverkusen needed to rediscover themselves in Europe, and they did so on the back of their three most special players: the genius Wirtz, the influential Grimaldo, and the manager’s personal gamble, Aleix García.
Wirtz’s brace and Grimaldo’s thunderous free-kick put Salzburg to the sword before half-time. The Austrian side is trudging through the Champions League with more agony than glory, despite the fact they will finish the season competing in the Club World Cup. It hardly seems like the best time for that.
The match swung on a highly controversial penalty that VAR awarded for a handball, despite the ball striking the Salzburg player’s knee before hitting his arm. Wirtz took full advantage of the gift.
Grimaldo’s second goal was far more meritorious; a left-footed strike from a free-kick that curled into the top corner, reminiscent of his best goals from last season. Regaining the Valencian’s form is crucial to Xabi’s ambitions this year. Just before the break, Wirtz provided yet another moment of brilliance that settled the contest.
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Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso’s side maintained their intensity and added more goals. A right-wing cross from Frimpong was met by Schick, who finished expertly with his left foot to delight the home crowd. Wirtz even came close to crowning his superb performance with a third goal, but his effort clipped the post.
The final act of the match was reserved for Xabi Alonso’s most special signing, Aleix García, who first encountered the goalkeeper but made no mistake from the edge of the area in the following play.
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