BERLIN, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Bayer Leverkusen came from behind to beat AEK Larnaca 4-2 after substitute Lucas Alario provided a second-half brace in Europa League's group stage on Thursday.
The "Werkself" wrapped up their second straight win to secure the first place in Group A.
Leverkusen grabbed the reins from the start and rattled the woodwork with just 14 minutes through Sven Bender, who struck the right post following a corner from close range.
However, the opener was scored at the other end of the pitch as Leverkusen failed to clear a corner, allowing Larnaca to break the deadlock as Ivan Trickovski slotted home the opener from six meters in the 25th minute.
The hosts pressed for the equalizer but they remained sloppy with their goal scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, Leverkusen's efforts eventually paid off before the break when Kai Havertz capitalized on Karim Bellarabi's square pass to restore parity with 44 minutes into the encounter.
After the restart, Heiko Herrlich's men started where they left off and pressed Larnaca into defense. Substitute Lucas Alario completed the host's comeback as he made use of Bellarabi's cross to make it 2-1 on the scoreboards in the 49th minute.
Larnaca remained dangerous on fast breaks and showed a vital sign in the 61st minute when Hector Hevel tested Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky with a long-range effort.
Leverkusen remained unimpressed and continued on the front foot as Kevin Volland's through ball smoothed the way for Lucas Alario's brace in the 88th minute.
The visitors kept it bowling and reduced the arrears out of the blue through Dimitris Raspas in the dying minutes of the match. It was a short-lived joy though as Julian Brandt restored Leverkusen's two-goal lead moments later.
With the second win in Group A, Bayer Leverkusen secured the top spot and is followed by FC Zurich, AEK Larnaca and PFC Ludogorets.
