Leverkusen Cruise Past Grossaspach in Ten Hag’s Debut After Storm Delay

Patrik Schick leads scoring after 45-minute hailstorm interruption in German Cup opener

Bayer Leverkusen weathered a dramatic 45-minute hailstorm delay to secure a 4-0 victory over fourth-division side Grossaspach in Erik Ten Hag’s debut match as head coach on Friday.

The German Cup holders were forced off the pitch after just 15 minutes of play in south-western Germany, as a sudden hailstorm swept across the stadium, leaving puddles scattered across the field.

Once play resumed, it took only 17 more minutes for Leverkusen to break the deadlock. Patrik Schick headed home the opener from an Amine Adli cross in the 32nd minute, putting the visitors in front.

Despite the lead, Grossaspach created several chances to equalise, exploiting Leverkusen’s early lack of rhythm in their first competitive outing under Ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso during the summer.

However, Leverkusen found their footing after the break. Second-half goals from Arthur and Christian Kofane, followed by a penalty converted by Álex Grimaldo, sealed a comfortable win and a spot in the second round of the German Cup.

Later on Friday, six-time champions Werder Bremen were set to face last season’s beaten finalists, Arminia Bielefeld, in another first-round fixture.