UCL: Bayer Leverkusen Thrash Red Bull Salzburg 5-0 in Champions League

Bayer Leverkusen Cruise Past Red Bull Salzburg with 5-0 Win

The convincing win marked Leverkusen's joint-largest margin of victory in major European...

Bayer Leverkusen secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League, with Florian Wirtz scoring twice and Aleix Garcia netting his first Champions League goal.

Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, secured their third Champions League victory of the season with a convincing win over Red Bull Salzburg.

The home side took an early lead when Florian Wirtz converted a penalty kick in the opening minutes. The spot kick was awarded after the ball struck Samson Baidoo's elbow inside the penalty area.

Bayer Leverkusen doubled their advantage just three minutes later, courtesy of a stunning free-kick from Alejandro Grimaldo. The set piece was awarded after Lucas Gourna-Douath fouled Wirtz, and Grimaldo's expertly curled shot sailed over the wall and into the net.

The contest was effectively over by the 30-minute mark, as Wirtz combined with Grimaldo before unleashing a precise right-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

Patrik Schick added his name to the scoresheet on 61 minutes, tapping in from close range after Jeremie Frimpong's impressive work down the right flank.

Substitute Aleix Garcia sealed the victory for Leverkusen, scoring his first Champions League goal just four minutes after coming off the bench. Garcia found the net from the edge of the box, completing the rout.

The convincing win marked Leverkusen's joint-largest margin of victory in major European competition. The 5-0 scoreline matched their previous UEFA Cup victories over Budapest Honved in 1994 and Zurich in 2007.

The result solidifies Leverkusen's position inside the top eight of the Champions League's league phase. Meanwhile, Salzburg remains in the bottom 12, having suffered their fourth defeat in five games.