Europe League
Leverkusen expect poison and bile second leg in Monaco
The game between Leverkusen and Monaco was accompanied by many unpleasant scenes. photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
Almost all players were involved when there was a mass scuffle after Leverkusen’s 3-2 draw against Monaco. And some Leverkusen swear sporting revenge before the second leg in the Europa League.
That should be a poison-and-bile second leg on the Côte d’Azur. After 100 intense minutes in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2:3 draw against AS Monaco, a mass scuffle on the way to the dressing room caused wild emotions, then many a player poured oil on the fire with his statement.
“Nobody can behave themselves anymore these days,” said Leverkusen captain Lukas Hradecky. “This is the new generation. Everyone thinks they have a bigger cock than the other. Just all kids.” But one thing is clear, according to the 33-year-old: “After these events we are highly motivated in the second leg.” Robert Andrich also confirmed: “We’re hotter than ever for the second leg.” That will take place in Monaco next Thursday.
Controversial own goal by Hradecky
Nobody wanted to reveal what exactly happened after the final whistle. And in the end, hardly anyone wanted to be there, even though almost everyone was involved. “I had no strength for the shit on the sidelines,” said Andrich. “I don’t even know what triggered it, but I wasn’t in the turmoil either,” said Monaco goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who was loaned out by FC Bayern. And Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso even asked: “Was there a problem? I was already in the dressing room. But that’s football, that can happen.”
But then it rarely does in the collectivity. A crazy course of the game with a curious own goal by Hradecky to make it 0-1, a dream solo by Leverkusen international Florian Wirtz to make it 2-1 and Monaco’s winning goal in added time caused emotions in the intense game. Above all, Monaco’s Krépin Diatta and Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié often raked in. In the end, some Monegasques celebrated the late victory in front of the Bayer fan curve, which was probably too demonstrative for some Leverkusen fans.
Heated second leg expected
Monaco coach Philippe Clement also said he didn’t know “what happened”. But the Belgian was undoubtedly in the thick of things. “I was there to separate the players from each other,” he assured, but lost track of it. “I tried to be everywhere at the same time. Something was happening everywhere.” But the dispute will not be taken into the second leg, he promised: “Definitely not from our side. We are here to show football and not for something like that.”
The second leg should still be heated. And also promises excitement. “The advantage is: They think they are already in the next round. And we know that we have to win,” said Alonso. And Nübel also admitted: “Everything is open. We’re happy to take the 3: 2 with us. But it’s also a bit dangerous for the back of our minds.” The fact that the atmosphere will be charged from the first second should make it even more special.