Bayer Leverkusen thump Feyenoord 4-0 in Champions League opener

Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their Champions League campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Eredivisie side Feyenoord Rotterdam on Thursday night at the Feyenoord Stadium.

The Bundesliga champions took the lead within five minutes through German midfielder Florian Wirtz, before defender Alejandro Grimaldo doubled their advantage with a simple finish at the half-hour mark.

Wirtz added his second of the night in the 36th minute, while an own goal by German goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther sealed the hosts’ fate even before the break.

Leverkusen’s defensive discipline ensured Xabi Alonso’s men emerged from the Netherlands with a clean sheet and three crucial points.

With his brace against Feyenoord, Wirtz — named the Bundesliga Player of the Season during Leverkusen’s title-winning campaign — has played a part in 26 goals in European competitions since the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

Only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has more goal involvements (28) in Europe.

Manager Xabi Alonso hailed his side’s efficiency in the encounter.

“It looks easy but to do it is not at all,” he said.

“We were not lucky but efficient in the first five minutes. We had a lot of composure.”

“The first half was complete. But it’s never easy.”

The Werkself will be in Bundesliga action this Sunday, with top sports bookmakers paying -303.03 for Leverkusen to triumph against Wolfsburg at the BayArena.

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