Erik ten Hag managed Bayer Leverkusen's first home friendly, achieving a 3-0 victory over Pisa. Goals came from Robert Andrich, Christian Kofane, and Exequiel Palacios. The match was not without challenges, as Edmond Tapsoba was sent off early in the second half. Injury concerns arose with right-back Arthur departing early and Axel Tape being withdrawn later. Ten Hag expressed optimism about both players after the match. Following this game, Leverkusen is set to face Chelsea before commencing their domestic season with a DFB-Pokal tie against Sonnenhof Grossaspach.
Robert Andrich steered an Alejandro Grimaldo free-kick home from inside a crowded six-yard box for the opening goal in the fourth minute, before the Spain left-back recorded another assist for Christian Kofane's breakaway second 13 minutes later.
Edmond Tapsoba was sent off for a foul on Henrik Meister early in the second half, allowing Pisa into the contest as Mark Flekken was tested on numerous occasions.
Ten Hag was not unduly worried about either player when speaking to reporters after full-time. "They both wanted to continue, and that's a good signal, but I took them out."
Leverkusen visit Chelsea for their final pre-season friendly on Friday, before their domestic season starts with a first-round DFB-Pokal tie against fourth-tier Sonnenhof Grossaspach a week later.
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