West Ham was eliminated from the UEFA Europa League after a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, who maintained their unbeaten record as German champions.

In a thrilling UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash, Bayer Leverkusen secured their spot in the semi-finals with a last-minute equalizer against West Ham at the London Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but it was Leverkusen’s substitute Jeremie Frimpong who stole the show with his crucial goal.

The German champions, who had triumphed in the first leg with a 2-0 victory, faced a tough challenge from a determined West Ham side. The Hammers dominated the first half, showcasing their attacking prowess and taking the lead in the 13th minute. Michail Antonio rose above the Leverkusen defense to head the ball into the net from a perfectly executed cross by Jarrod Bowen.

However, Leverkusen showed their resilience and fought back in the second half. With just a minute left on the clock, Frimpong unleashed a shot that took a deflection off Aaron Cresswell, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski helpless as the ball found the back of the net. It was a bitter blow for the Hammers, who had put up a valiant display throughout the match.

Despite their efforts, West Ham couldn’t maintain their momentum in the second half, as Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso made strategic changes to stabilize his team. The German side’s determination paid off, and they secured their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Roma.

Overall, it was a thrilling encounter between two talented teams, but it was Leverkusen who emerged victorious, thanks to Frimpong’s late heroics. West Ham can hold their heads high for their impressive performance, but it was ultimately not enough to overcome the German giants.