New Delhi, Jan. 29 -- United States midfielder Malik Tillman scored twice Wednesday to ensure Bayer Leverkusen will be in the Champions League knockout phase and seeded in the playoffs draw.

Tillman's unusual though smart goal gave Leverkusen an early lead against Villarreal then he added a second in what ended a comfortable 3-0 win.

In the 12th minute, Tillman ran across the penalty area and blocked Villarreal goalkeeper Arnau Tenas' attempted pass out of the six-yard box and the ball bounced into the net.

The 23-year-old Tillman was mostly facing away from the Villarreal goal and trying to retain his balance when the ball crossed the line.

"In this situation he's very clever," Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand said of Tillman. "He re...