UEL: Hammers feel the strength of Xabi's ruthless machine as Boniface scores upon return

Bayern Munich had tortured opponents across Europe with their ruthless game plan and rhythm for years, spreading fear with their main virtues such as composure, versatility and ball movement.

As things stand, it's time for the Bavarians to step aside a bit and leave that notorious role to their domestic rival, Bayer Leverkusen, who are slowly getting closer to the unthinkable achievement - winning the Treble.

Not only is Xabi Alonso's team on the verge of clinching the first-ever Bundesliga title, but they're also running riots in the UEFA Europa League.

On Thursday night, Bayer defeated West Ham 2-0 in the first leg of the UEL quarter-final, thus coming more than a step closer to the final two phases of Europe's second-best competition.

What makes this victory even more remarkable is the fact the Germans made it despite being levelled with the Hammers for the majority of the game.

However, Hofmann's 83rd-minute opener and Victor Boniface's stoppage-time header made all the difference in favour of Leverkusen, just like they've done many times in the Bundesliga this season.

The Nigerian striker netted in his only third match upon returning from an excruciating injury.

On the other hand, West Ham boss David Moyes insists that his side is "still in the tie" despite two late goals.

"We have half a chance in the second leg," Moyes optimistically told TNT Sports.

"It's going to take some performance because they're a really good team. You never know what's going to happen.

"Let's try to get one and then see if we can get two. We'll pick ourselves up for next week and hopefully get the crowd behind us."

Still, it will be a miraculous achievement for the Hammers to hand the Germans their first defeat of the season, let alone progress to the semi-finals.

"We have to recognise what we're playing against," Moyes said. "We'll have to do exceptionally well to get that result."

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Leverkusen never showed any sort of panic as they attacked the Hammers relentlessly, looking for any space to exploit around the penalty area.

"We believe in ourselves that we have the quality to score in every minute we can," Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka told TNT Sports.

"Against teams like this and the others who come to the BayArena, it is always difficult to find space because they sit so deep."

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE - QUARTER-FINALS

First leg

Thursday

Milan - Roma 0-1 (0-1)

/Mancini 17/

Liverpool - Atalanta 0-3 (0-1)

/Scammaca 38, 60, Pasalic 83/

Leverkusen - West Ham 2-0 (0-0)

/Hofmann 83, Boniface 90+1/

Benfica - Olympique Marseille 2-1 (1-0)

/Silva 16, Di Maria 52 - Aubameyang 67/