Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of securing a third consecutive win in the UEFA Champions League group stage were halted by a determined Brest side in a 1-1 draw at the Stade de Roudourou in northern France on Wednesday.
Leverkusen entered the match confident after winning their first two games of the competition, and their star player, Florian Wirtz, once again shone early on.
Wirtz, who has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, opened the scoring for the German side in the 24th minute. The 21-year-old delivered a brilliant shot from 20 yards, leaving the Brest goalkeeper with little chance as the ball flew into the back of the net.
Wirtz almost doubled his tally just five minutes later after weaving through Brest’s defense, but his next shot lacked power and was easily saved. Despite this missed opportunity, Leverkusen seemed to be in control of the game. However, Brest refused to back down and found an equalizer before halftime.
Brest’s Pierre Lees-Melou stunned the visitors when he smashed home a volley in the 39th minute.
The goal came from a well-placed cross that landed perfectly for Lees-Melou, who was waiting at the edge of the box. His strike leveled the score and lifted the spirits of the home crowd.
The second half saw both teams pushing for the lead. Leverkusen had a strong penalty appeal around the 60th minute when Jonas Hofmann’s cross appeared to strike a Brest defender’s hand. However, the referee ruled it as unintentional, and the game continued.
