Super Eagles midfielder Nathan Tella was in action, while striker Victor Boniface remained on the bench, as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 win over Sonnenhof Großaspach to book their place in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.
The fixture marked Leverkusen’s first competitive outing of the season, and they quickly took control of proceedings. After dominating much of the first half, Patrick Schick broke the deadlock just before the interval to hand the Bundesliga side a deserved lead.
The visitors maintained their grip on the game after the restart and were handed a further boost when Großaspach captain Volkan Celiktas received a second yellow card. Moments later, Arthur struck to double the advantage and snuff out any chance of an upset.
Christian Kofane made it 3-0 before Alejandro Grimaldo converted from the penalty spot following another dismissal — this time for Mert Taşdelen — to complete a comprehensive victory for Bayer Leverkusen.
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Tella lasted 65 minutes before making way for Ernest Poku, while Boniface remained an unused substitute, with Kofane brought on in place of Schick in attack.
Attention now turns to the Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim on Saturday, August 23, where Leverkusen will aim to begin life under new head coach Erik ten Hag with a winning start.
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