NEW DELHI: Bayer Leverkusen clinched a crucial 2-0 victory against West Ham United in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, with substitutes Jonas Hofmann and Victor Boniface making decisive contributions. Despite their dominant display, Leverkusen struggled to break through until Hofmann and Boniface's late heroics secured the win.Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso's strategic substitution proved pivotal as Hofmann and Boniface combined for the opening goal in the 83rd minute. Boniface then sealed the result with a stoppage-time header, extending Leverkusen's habit of late victories.Alonso attributed his team's late success to perseverance and strategic play, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control and focus even in tense moments.The victory adds to Leverkusen's momentum as they pursue their first Bundesliga title, with a chance to secure the championship by defeating Werder Bremen on Sunday.Meanwhile, West Ham face an uphill battle in the second leg, needing to overcome Leverkusen's formidable defence and overturn a two-goal deficit.Despite their resilient performance, West Ham coach David Moyes acknowledged the challenge of facing a high-calibre opponent like Leverkusen."We're playing a Champions League (level) team tonight - and a good one at that," said Moyes.With key players Emerson and Lucas Paqueta set to miss the return leg due to yellow card suspensions, West Ham will be looking to regroup and strategize to mount a comeback, aiming to capitalize on home advantage and the potential return of talisman Jarrod Bowen.(Inputs from AFP)