David Moyes' hopes for another European trophy were dashed by the 3-1 aggregate loss to Leverkusen.
In the second half, Xabi Alonso's team escalated their efforts, with Jeremie Frimpong, a substitute, sealing the deal with a late deflected strike. This leveled the scores, placing West Ham in need of two goals again as time dwindled, extinguishing any remaining hope of advancing in the Europa League.
Despite an intense match between the two sides, referee Jose Maria Sanchez became the focal point by issuing 11 yellow cards and two red cards to staff members on the sideline.
The Scotsman secured glory for the club when West Ham clinched the Europa Conference League last season, marking their inaugural European trophy win.
Amidst the atmosphere at London Stadium, hopes soared that they could orchestrate a remarkable comeback, possibly propelling them to the Europa League final and repeating their triumph.
