BERLIN, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen extended its perfect start in the UEFA Europa League with a 4-0 win at Lech Poznan on Thursday, as substitute Patrik Schick scored twice from the penalty spot before halftime.
Leverkusen made six changes from its league victory at Mainz, with Martin Terrier starting ahead of Schick. Terrier's injury brought the Czech striker on in the 18th minute.
Edmond Tapsoba threatened with an early header, while Lech striker Mikael Ishak responded with a powerful effort. Malik Tillman also headed narrowly over before two VAR interventions helped Leverkusen take control.
A handball by Terry Yegbe gave Leverkusen its first penalty, which Schick converted in the 29th minute. Tillman doubled the lead three minutes later, following up from close range after Nathan Tella's shot was saved.
Another VAR review resulted in a second penalty after Mateusz Skrzypczak fouled Schick. The striker converted again in the 41st minute to give the visitors a three-goal halftime lead.
Schick missed a chance to complete his hat-trick shortly after the restart, heading wide from close range following Tella's cross. With a three-goal advantage, Leverkusen rarely came under pressure.
Goalkeeper Mateusz Lis later denied Afonso Moreira before Ibrahim Maza completed the scoring in the 88th minute from Moreira's pass.
"I am happy. If we hadn't performed at our best today, it could have been difficult for us. Everybody played their part. Even at 3-0, we kept competing and pressing, and we scored another goal," said Leverkusen coach Carles Martinez.
The win leaves Leverkusen second with six points from two matches, behind Juventus on goals scored. Lech remains bottom without a point.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Juventus came from behind to beat Celta Vigo 2-1 and retain top spot. After falling behind in the 18th minute, the Italian side equalized through Nick Woltemade in the 58th before Randal Kolo Muani headed the winner in stoppage time.
In other matches, Benfica beat Celtic 4-1 and AC Milan won 4-0 at Salzburg, while Bournemouth defeated Sturm Graz 3-0. Besiktas edged Hoffenheim 3-2, Lyon overcame Crystal Palace 3-2 and Sunderland won 2-1 at Uniao Torreense. Olympiakos prevailed 1-0 at Marseille, while Omonia Nicosia beat Celje 3-0. ■
