Nathan Tella scores as Bayer Leverkusen ease past Wehen Wiesbaden in DFB Cup

Bayer Leverkusen began their DFB Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory over Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday, with Nigeria winger Nathan Tella coming off the bench to score his first goal of the season.

Tella was introduced in the 65th minute, replacing Fernandez, and needed only four minutes to make an impact. The former Southampton player struck in the 69th minute to put Leverkusen 3-0 ahead at the BRITA-Arena.

It was Tella’s first goal of the campaign and a positive start for the winger as he looks to establish himself in the Leverkusen squad.

The 25-year-old had started the match among the substitutes before being called upon during the second half. His goal added to a commanding performance from the visitors, who controlled the game from the opening stages.

Leverkusen took the lead shortly before half-time when Patrik Schick scored in the 43rd minute. They quickly strengthened their advantage after the interval, with Lucas Vazquez making it 2-0 in the 47th minute.

Tella then added a third before Christian Kofane completed the scoring in the 79th minute, finishing with a simple tap-in to secure Leverkusen’s place in the next round of the DFB Cup.

While Tella made his mark after coming on, his Nigeria team-mate Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Boniface has returned to Bayer Leverkusen after spending last season on loan at Werder Bremen. He was included on the bench for the cup match but was not called upon by the German side.

Wehen Wiesbaden struggled to pose any significant threat to the Leverkusen defence despite playing in front of their home supporters. The home side managed only 29% possession, compared with Leverkusen’s 71%, and found it difficult to create sustained pressure.

Leverkusen’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the tempo and keep Wehen Wiesbaden away from dangerous positions. Their four-goal margin reflected a one-sided contest as the visitors progressed comfortably in the competition.

For Tella, the goal provided an early boost in his bid for more opportunities this season. Having entered the match from the bench, he took his chance quickly and helped turn an already comfortable Leverkusen lead into a decisive cup victory.

The result sends Bayer Leverkusen through to the next round of the DFB Cup, while Wehen Wiesbaden exit the competition after being outplayed at home.