On 5 October, one of the matches of the Europa League in football took place. Melde (Norway) and Bayer (Leverkusen) met.
Europa League
Melde (Norway) - Bayer (Leverkusen) - 1:2 ( 0:2)
Goals: Emil Breivik (87) - Jeremy Frimpong (14), N. Tella (18). Tella (18)
Warnings: K. Eriksen (42), M. Lovik (67)
In a much-anticipated UEFA Europa League match, Moulde faced Bayer Leverkusen at the Aker Stadium. Both teams were keen to win and the fans were looking forward to a thrilling encounter. At half-time the score was 0-2 in favour of Bayer Leverkusen, but Moulde fought back strongly in the second half to finish the match 1-2. Bayer Leverkusen showed their skills at the very beginning of the game: in the 14th minute J. Frimpong hit the opponents' goal, giving the team the lead. Just four minutes later, N. Tella doubled the German team's lead with an impressive strike, leaving the Moulde defence stunned. Close to the break, Moulde made a substitution, bringing on J. Karlstrom instead of O. Petersen in an attempt to change the dynamic of the game. However, their hopes of getting back into the game were dampened by a yellow card received by K. Eriksen in the 42nd minute, which added to their disappointment. In the second half, Moulde continued to struggle against Bayer Leverkusen's dominance. In the 67th minute, Moulde player M. Lovik received a yellow card. Manager Erling Moe made a double substitution, replacing M.V. Eikrem with F. Gulbrandsen to give the team a boost.
Bayer Leverkusen also made changes, with N. Tella replacing J. Hofmann, and E. Tapsoba was replaced by A. Grimaldo. This tactical move was aimed at maintaining the advantage in the score, and Moulde, trying to get back into the game, made two substitutions in the 81st minute. K. Haugen was replaced by M. Grodem, while M.A. Kaasa made room for K. Kappis in an attempt to strengthen the attacking options. Bayer Leverkusen responded with their own substitutions in the 83rd minute, releasing A. Glozek and V. Bonifacius. A. Adli also came on the pitch in place of F. Wirtz as the German team looked to finish the match with a minimal advantage. In the 87th minute, as the match entered its final stages, Moulde managed to pull one goal back. E. Breivik capitalised on the goal, giving them hope of a dramatic comeback. However, time was not on their side and Bayer Leverkusen held on for a hard-fought 2-1 victory. Both teams showed their determination and skill throughout the match, but Bayer Leverkusen held on for the win. The first goals proved decisive, while Moulde's late surge was not enough to close the gap. The match at Aker Stadium was an intriguing spectacle and fans are looking forward to the next chapter in this exciting UEFA Europa League campaign.
The following matches await the opponents in the next round: Melde vs Hecken, Bayer vs Qarabag.
| Melde | Bayer | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Kicks to the goal | 3 |
| 16 | Kicks | 12 |
| 4 | Blocked shots | 5 |
| 11 | Penalty kicks | 9 |
| 5 | Penalty kicks | 3 |
| 12 | Offences | 6 |
| 4 | Corner | 3 |
| 1 | Offsides | 1 |
| 38% | Ball possession | 62% |
| 2 | Yellow cards | 0 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 1 | Keeper saves | 4 |
| 422 | Total assists | 719 |
| 355 | Accurate assists | 643 |
| 84% | Accuracy of passes | 89% |