Polish midfielder Thomas Zdebel opened the score line for Leverkusen in the third minute after converting Theofanis Gekas' low cross past Amir Abdul-Hamid.

Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta added a second deep in injury time.

Ahli were reduced to ten men after skipper Ahmed Al-Sayed was sent off right before the interval for a second bookable offence.

Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri made sure the referee knew he wasn’t happy with the decision and the latter responded by sending the tactician to the stands.

The incident resulted in a 15-minute delay to the start of the second half before Leverkusen officials intervened to calm Al-Badri down.

Leverkusen could have scored a second after the interval but Toni Kroos was unlucky to see his long-range effort hit the post.

Another chance went begging for the Bundesliga side after Richard Sukuta-Pasu blazed over from close range.

Barnetta wrapped up the win with a shot that was deflected off Mostafa Shbeta and into the back of the net.

Watch the game's goals