Bayer Leverkusen edged Sevilla 2:1 in a club friendly on Friday evening in Germany, a result that reflected their comfortable pre-season rhythm. The visitors opened the scoring through M. Sierra in the 16th minute, but the home side responded with composure after the break. Two second-half strikes from P. Schick secured the win for the hosts, who have now won four of their last five friendlies.
Sevilla's early advantage came from a well-worked move, and they looked dangerous in the opening exchanges. The match was fairly even in possession, but Leverkusen controlled the tempo with more attacks — 107 compared to Sevilla's 58. The Spanish side accumulated four yellow cards, suggesting they struggled to settle into their rhythm.
And here's the thing about the second half: it was Schick who changed the complexion of the game. His first goal in the 66th minute brought the hosts level, and a second strike seven minutes later put them ahead. By then, Sevilla had made two substitutions in an attempt to find an equaliser, but the damage was done. The academy graduate marked his first start with a goal and made the difference when it mattered.
The statistics tell a straightforward story. Both teams shared possession equally at 50 per cent, but Leverkusen's superiority in attacks was evident. Three corners to one, and fewer fouls conceded — Leverkusen played with more control. Sevilla's four yellow cards versus two for the hosts also reflected their frustration.
This result extends Leverkusen's strong pre-season form. They have not lost since their 1:1 draw with Hamburg in May, and the comfortable victory over Sevilla adds to a run that includes wins against Rottweiss Essen, Genk, and Kicker Offenbach. To be fair, it is only a friendly, but the pattern is clear: they are building momentum for the campaign ahead.