Martinez celebrates a winning start

Carles Martinez described his first victory as Bayer Leverkusen coach as “very special” after his side swept aside third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 at the BRITA-Arena on Saturday.

Leverkusen took control just before half-time when Patrik Schick opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Lucas Vazquez doubled the advantage two minutes after the restart, before substitutes Nathan Tella and Christian Kofane added further goals within a 10-minute spell to complete a comfortable win.

“I enjoyed my first game. It was very special. We have some things to improve, but the team was focused and the game was good,” Martinez said.

Dominant performance seals progress

Leverkusen’s superiority was reflected in the match statistics. They produced 19 shots and an expected-goals total of 1.93, while Wiesbaden managed only seven attempts and an xG figure of 0.23. The result sends last season’s semi-finalists into the second round of Germany’s domestic cup.

Malik Tillman was one of the visitors’ standout performers, creating a team-high six chances. Summer signing Afonso Moreira also impressed after joining from Lyon earlier in the transfer window, registering an assist and leading Leverkusen for both shots and touches in the opposition penalty area, with five in each category.

Leverkusen will now turn their attention to the Bundesliga, beginning their campaign against Elversberg next Saturday. They will be seeking a stronger league season after finishing sixth in the top flight last term.