Bayer Leverkusen secured a place in the knockout round playoff spots of the UEFA Champions League with a convincing 3-0 win over Villarreal. 

Leverkusen dominated the game from the start, looking in control and creating chances. They broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Malik Tillman scored in bizarre fashion, with the American closing down Arnau Tenas, who was caught out as his clearance struck the attacker and bounced into the goal.

Leverkusen continued to probe the Villarreal defense, with Ibrahim Maza coming close to doubling their lead. The Bundesliga team finally got their second goal 10 minutes before the break, with Tillman scoring his second of the game.

The second half started quietly, but Leverkusen burst into life with a third goal courtesy of Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spaniard combined with Lucas Vazquez before drilling the ball into the net, killing off the game and securing Leverkusen’s place in the knockout round play-off stage.

The win was a comfortable one for Leverkusen, who seemed to ease off in the final minutes, knowing their place was secured.

Villarreal, on the other hand, crashed out of the competition, finishing joint-bottom of the league phase. Leverkusen’s victory extended Villarreal’s losing run to four matches in all competitions.