“He screamed at me” – Nathan Tella talks up 9.2/10 showing in Leverkusen’s 4-1 thrashing of Stuttgart

Super Eagles attacker Nathan Tella has expressed his satisfaction following Bayer Leverkusen’s commanding 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Bayer Leverkusen are currently locked in a fierce battle to secure Champions League football for next season. They took a significant step toward that goal at the BayArena by defeating fellow top-four contenders RB Leipzig.

​Tella produced one of his finest performances in a Leverkusen shirt. The Nigerian international provided the assist for Patrik Schick’s 25th-minute opener before doubling the lead himself in the 45th minute, ensuring Die Werkself went into the break in total control.

Tella featured for 77 minutes and was rated a 9.2 by Sofascore before being replaced by Ernest Poku.

​Speaking after the final whistle, the 26-year-old reflected on the result and his unselfish assist to Schick. Despite being in a favorable position to shoot, Tella opted to square the ball to the Czech striker.

​”Yeah, it’s a good start to the weekend. As a team, we knew what we wanted to achieve, and the Champions League is the ultimate ambition for us,” Tella said.

​”With Stuttgart and Hoffenheim in the mix, we knew that winning today would put our destiny in our own hands. We have three games we need to win; we’ve won the first one today, and now we have to keep going like this.”

​Reflecting on his decision to pass to Schick, he joked: “I had flashbacks to a time I didn't pass to Patrik, and I could just imagine him screaming at me at halftime! So I saw him in the six-yard box and knew he couldn't miss. When you have a striker like that, you just put it anywhere in the box and he’s going to score. It’s a pleasure to play with him.”

​Nathan Tella Urges Teammates on For The Final Push

​The win propelled Bayer Leverkusen to fourth in the Bundesliga standings, currently separated from Stuttgart and Hoffenheim only by a superior goal difference.

​With the season reaching its climax, Leverkusen’s fate remains in their own hands. Maximum points from their remaining fixtures will guarantee them a place among Europe’s elite next season. Ahead of their final matches against Stuttgart and Hamburger SV, Tella urged his teammates to maintain their momentum.

​”Next week, we have to bring that same energy. We can't afford to relax now. This is the business end of the season—this is when you have to perform,” he added.

​Tella has now recorded three goal involvements in his last three outings for Bayer Leverkusen. He will be vital in the final weeks as the club looks to cross the finish line and secure their European target.