Intermediate round of the Europa League – Bayer Leverkusen loses against Monaco and is worried about progressing

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Maintains an overview: Florian Wirtz at his goal

Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images

Bayer Leverkusen has to worry about progressing in the Europa League.

The Bundesliga soccer club lost 2:3 (0:1) in the first leg of the second round against AS Monaco.

The decision on entering the round of 16 will be made next Thursday.

The highlight from Leverkusen's point of view was a remarkable goal by Florian Wirtz in the 59th minute to make it 2-1.

The 19-year-old offensive player left several opponents standing and shot the ball from the edge of the penalty area into the right corner.

Wirtz is considered one of the greatest hopes for young German talent.

At the World Cup in Qatar he was still missing after a cruciate ligament rupture.

An own goal by Lukáš Hrádecký initially gave Monaco the lead.

In the second half, Moussa Diaby equalized (49th minute), followed by a goal from Wirtz, but it wasn't enough to win.

Krépin Diatta equalized with a solid shot (74').

Shortly before the end, Leverkusen's Adam Hlozek (87th) hit the post and missed the great chance to win - then Axel Disasi shocked the hosts with Monaco's winning goal.

The eight group winners of the Europa League group stage, which ended before the World Cup in Qatar, are already in the round of 16.

These include SC Freiburg and FC Arsenal.

The pairings of this round will be held from March 9th.

An overview of the Europa League with all results can be found here.

Jan