Malik Tillman scores twice for USMNT as Leverkusen secures playoff position.
United States midfielder Malik Tillman netted an unconventional yet clever goal to give Bayer Leverkusen an early advantage in the Champions League match against Villarreal on Wednesday, subsequently adding a second to extend the lead to 2-0.
Alex Grimaldo contributed Leverkusen’s third goal in the second half, securing the victory and a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
Leverkusen commenced the match ranked 20th in the 36-team standings, requiring a win to guarantee a top-24 finish that qualifies for the knockout phase, as well as to improve their position to at least 16th, which would ensure seeding in the playoff draw on Friday.
Tillman intercepted Villarreal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas’ attempted clearance from the six-yard box in the 12th minute, causing the ball to deflect into the net.
The 23-year-old Tillman was primarily oriented away from the Villarreal goal and attempting to maintain his balance when the ball crossed the line for a 1-0 advantage.
His second goal came in the 35th minute with a low right-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Tillman is anticipated to play a significant role for the United States team at the World Cup in North America this summer.
