Bayer Leverkusen secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a routine victory over Sparta Prague at the BayArena.
Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz opened the scoring for Xabi Alonso’s side just after the half-hour mark, driving a low effort into the bottom left corner after being picked out by Jeremie Frimpong.
Former Southampton winger Nathan Tella added the second from close range for the hosts, after Alex Grimaldo’s free-kick was only parried out by visiting goalkeeper Peter Vindahl.
The result leaves the German champions on 16 points and sixth overall in the 36-team league phase.
Leverkusen could now face Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Celtic or Manchester City in the knockout phase of the Europe’s elite club competition.
Sparta, who had already been eliminated before Wednesday evening’s contest began, finish 31st after collecting just four points from their eight matches.
