Leverkusen stroll to convincing friendly victory over Rot-Weiss Essen
| Photo: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images. |
Goals from Ibrahim Maza and Patrick Schick, followed by a second-half strike from Montrell Culbreath, maintained Bayer Leverkusen’s perfect start to pre-season under Carles Martínez. The 3-0 triumph over Rot-Weiss Essen means Die Werkself have now won all four of their summer friendlies so far.
Martínez named a strong starting XI featuring several familiar faces from last season, including Maza and Schick, alongside new signing Jeanuël Belocian and returning loanee Farid Alfa-Ruprecht as the Spaniard continues to integrate fresh faces into his squad.
Leverkusen were firmly in control by half-time after establishing a two-goal advantage. Martínez waited until the hour mark to make wholesale changes, introducing new arrival Afonso Moreira, 17-year-old Nebe Dominic, and eventual goalscorer Culbreath among the substitutes.
Culbreath put the result beyond any doubt with 11 minutes remaining, rounding off another impressive display and securing a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Leverkusen’s preparations continue next weekend when they face a much tougher challenge against La Liga outfit Sevilla.
