Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella registered an assist as Bayer Leverkusen eased into the next round of the DFB-Pokal with a convincing victory over Bundesliga 2 side Elversberg on Tuesday night.
Tella delivered a lively performance for the reigning Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal champions, setting the tone for another dominant display from Xabi Alonso’s side.
Softfootball understands that Victor Boniface also featured in the cup tie, coming off the bench to replace Patrik Schick with 11 minutes remaining.
Tella made an immediate impact by creating Leverkusen’s opening goal, providing the assist for Schick to put the hosts ahead early in the contest.
Schick doubled Leverkusen’s advantage just seven minutes later before Aleix Garcia added a third goal in the 36th minute to put the result beyond doubt before halftime.
Having played his part in the comfortable victory, Tella was substituted in the 69th minute for Alex Grimaldo as Alonso rotated his squad with the game firmly under control.
The assist was Tella’s first in all competitions this season and another encouraging contribution as he continues to fight for regular playing time in Leverkusen’s talented squad.
Both Tella and Boniface played key roles in Bayer Leverkusen’s historic campaign last season, helping the club secure a domestic double by winning both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal.
Leverkusen’s triumph in last season’s German Cup was only the second in the club’s history, with their first title coming during the 1992/93 campaign.
