BERLIN, March 10 -- Spanish first division team Villareal stunned hosts, German Bundesliga team Leverkusen with a late 3-2 winner from Brazil's striker Nilmar who scoed twice at first leg of Europa League semifinals on Thursday.
Leverkusen staged a better start against Villareal as defender Michael Kadlec hammered a through ball from inside left to slot home into bottom right at the 33rd minute.
Three minutes before break, Villareal scored out of the blue, as unmarked striker Guiseppe Rossi netted a flattering equalizer to astonish Leverkusen before break.
After interval, Leverkusen pressed but it was Villareal that took the lead at the 70th minute through stiker Nilmar, who was fielded just one minute earlier. Nilmar utilized a faild clearence attempt by Leverkusen to mark the lead 2-1 from close range.
Leverkusen remained unfazed and answerd with the leveller only two minutes later since defender Gonzalo Castro exploited a flick on after a cross to score from goal area.
All efforts by Leverkusen remained unrewarded as Nilmar sealed his brace at the fourth minute of injury time to make it 3-2 on the scoreboars to inflict Leverkusen a bitter home defeat at Europa League semifinals.