West Ham United’s run in the 2023-2024 season UEFA Europa League is over after getting eliminated by German side Bayer Leverkusen.
The Hammers drew 1-1 at the London Stadium in the second leg of the quarterfinal game. West Ham missed out on a place in the semifinal due to a 3-1 loss on aggregate; Leverkusen won the first leg 2-0.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio scored in the 13th minute off an assist from Jarrod Bowen but the London side failed to capitalize on an impressive first half performance to score more goals.
In the second half, Leverkusen stepped up its play and neutralized West Ham’s threat and the recently crowned Bundesliga champions got the much needed goal through a deflected effort from Jeremie Frimpong in the 89th minute.
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus lasted the entire duration of the game and put in a very good shift in the draw that extends Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak to 44 games.
Kudus completed 17 of 18 passes, completed five of eight crosses, won six of 12 ground duels and registered a shot on target.
The 23 year old has had a brilliant campaign in the competition with his beautiful brace against SC Freiburg bookending his form.
West Ham will switch its focus to the English Premier League as it attempts to secure an Europa League spot for next season. David Moyes’ team takes on Crystal Palace next on Sunday, April 21 at 14:00 GMT.
