Nathan Tella delivered an outstanding performance as Bayer 04 Leverkusen strengthened their push for UEFA Champions League qualification with an emphatic 4–1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Nigerian forward played a key role in the dominant display, contributing a goal and an assist in one of his most influential outings of the season. While Patrik Schick grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick, Tella’s all-round performance proved equally vital in a result that lifts Leverkusen into fourth place with just two matches remaining.
With both sides battling for European qualification, the encounter carried significant weight, but Leverkusen quickly imposed themselves. Tella was heavily involved in the opening goal in the 25th minute, combining effectively in the final third to help unlock Leipzig’s defence before Schick applied the finish.
The 26-year-old crowned his display just before halftime, calmly converting a cross from Aleix García to double the advantage. The strike, his first Bundesliga goal of the season, handed the hosts a comfortable 2–0 lead at the break.
Leipzig responded after the restart through Christoph Baumgartner, briefly threatening a comeback. However, Leverkusen remained in control, with Schick restoring their cushion before completing his hat-trick late on after a VAR review confirmed his effort.
Tella was withdrawn in the 77th minute after an impressive shift, having already made a decisive impact. His performance was reflected in the numbers: three chances created, including two clear-cut opportunities, 86 percent passing accuracy, and three shots on target, earning him a joint-high Sofascore rating of 9.2.
The victory moves Leverkusen level on points with Stuttgart in the race for a top-four finish, setting up a crucial showdown that could determine Champions League qualification. For Tella, it marks a timely return to form after an injury-hit campaign, with three goal contributions in his last two matches.
His resurgence could also put him firmly back in contention for the Super Eagles, as competition for places intensifies ahead of upcoming international fixtures.