Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham United - Europa League result as late goals put Bundesliga leaders in control of quarter-final tie

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Bayer Leverkusen took control of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final against West Ham United with two late goals at BayArena.

Substitutes Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface struck inside the final seven minutes to break the Hammers’ stubborn resistance.

Although they were on the back foot early on, West Ham created a brilliant opportunity in the 10th minute as Michail Antonio countered before squaring for Mohammed Kudus, whose tame first-time shot was straight at Matej Kovar.

At the other end, the visitors had Lukasz Fabianski to thank with the Hammers goalkeeper making smart saves to deny Alex Grimaldo, Patrik Schick and Edmond Tapsoba.

Leverkusen continued to threaten after the break with Fabianski making a superb reflex save to tip Schick’s header over in the 70th minute.

However, the Pole was unsighted and powerless seven minutes from time, when Hofmann’s volley flashed through the crowded six-yard box to break the deadlock.

Hofmann then turned provider in stoppage time with his inviting cross glanced home by Boniface to put Xabi Alonso’s side on top heading into next week’s second leg at the London Stadium.

"We are very disappointed because I think we worked really hard for 80 or so minutes," the West Ham goalkeeper told TNT Sports. "We then gave away two goals from set-pieces. Most of the time, defending set-pieces is our strength, so we are disappointed.

"At the same time, we have to give a lot of credit to the opposition because they pushed for the whole game and created a decent amount of chances. In the end, they deserved it.

"The most disappointing thing was conceding the second goal. If we could have kept it at 1-0, it gives us a bit more confidence going into the second game.

"We’re not going to give up; we have to believe and respond in the second leg. We have a really good record playing at home in Europe. Even in the previous round when we lost away to Freiburg, we were able to respond in a strong way. They are always magical nights [at the London Stadium] and hopefully, the second leg will be the same."

Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 West Ham United

The hosts get that second goal and it's another substitute who scores!

Hofmann turns provider this time with a delicious cross that is met by fellow replacement Boniface, whose glancing header leaves Fabianski with no chance.

The hosts push for the second goal to give them breathing space in the tie.

Soucek does brilliantly to block Tah not once, but twice to keep them at bay for now.

West Ham turn to the bench with a couple of defensive substitutions in a bid to not let their deficit increase.

Johnson and Aguerd enter with Mavropanos and Kudus making way.

The hosts have the breakthrough, at last!

Zouma blocks Boniface's initial effort from a Leverkusen corner, but Hofmann's subsequent volley goes through the crowded six-yard area and past the unsighted Fabianski.

With space in front of him, Wirtz opts to try his luck from distance.

His speculative effort is on target, but straight into Fabianski's arms.

Leverkusen are on top and controlling possession, but West Ham are continuing to stand firm.

Alonso turns to the bench with another couple of alterations.

Boniface and Hofmann are introduced with Schick and Adli making way.

Receiving the ball in space, Xhaka tries his luck from long-range with a skidded attempt that is not too far away.

Fabianski has it covered, but watches the ball all the way past the post.

Taking on Coufal, Grimaldo clips in a cross that is met by Schick at the near post.

His header is creeping under the crossbar, but Fabianksi produces a wonderful reflex save to tip it over.

With Coufal down and receiving attention after Grimaldo's attempted cross crashed right into the side of his face, Leverkusen make two changes.

Stanisic and Frimpong make way to be replaced by Hincapie and Tella.

Leverkusen break from a West Ham free-kick and Frimpong sends a low cross in from the right flank.

Thankfully for the Hammers, Ward-Prowse gets back and clears the danger.

We are still goalless after 60 minutes at BayArena.

Who will stand up and be counted in this first leg?

Emerson has his name taken after catching Adli in a 50-50 challenge.

Like Paqueta, he will now also miss the second leg.

The hosts look to turn up the pressure from a corner with Wirtz found in the box.

However, West Ham do well to snuff out his threat.

Leverkusen have won all four of their home matches in this season's Europa League.

Chelsea are the only team in the tournament's history to do five in a row during the 2018-19 campaign, in which they lifted the trophy.

Can Alonso's side follow suit this term?

Leverkusen are so far across all competitions this season, avoiding defeat in all 41 matches.

Can they continue that remarkable streak here?