Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw against a resilient Stade Brest in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Stade Francis-Le Blé. Both teams delivered an enthralling contest, with goals from Florian Wirtz and Pierre Lees-Melou lighting up the match. Despite Leverkusen’s early lead, Brest showed immense composure and determination to stay unbeaten in the group stage.
Leverkusen started the game brightly, showing their defensive solidity and attacking intent. They looked poised to claim a third consecutive Champions League win for the first time in over two decades. Florian Wirtz continued his exceptional form in European competition, opening the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical low shot after being set up by Jonas Hofmann. This marked Wirtz’s third goal in as many UCL games, adding to his impressive tally of 25 goal involvements in his last 28 European starts.
However, Brest was quick to fight back. Pierre Lees-Melou stunned the visitors with a magnificent volley from outside the box in the 36th minute, leveling the score at 1-1. His strike was the highlight of a first half that saw both sides create memorable moments, with Brest proving they could match Leverkusen’s intensity.
The second half saw Brest take control of the midfield, often outnumbering Leverkusen’s duo of Palacios and Garcia. Brest’s pressing and energy limited Leverkusen’s ability to impose themselves, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side struggling to maintain their rhythm. Substitutions introduced fresh legs for Leverkusen, with Adli, Frimpong, and Xhaka entering the fray, but Brest continued to hold their ground, frustrating the Bundesliga side.
As the game entered its final stages, Leverkusen applied late pressure, but they lacked the clinical edge to secure all three points. The controversial moment of the match came when Hofmann appeared to be fouled in the box, but no penalty was awarded, leaving Leverkusen frustrated. Brest managed to hold firm, surviving the final moments and securing a valuable point.
This result keeps Brest unbeaten in the Champions League, with seven points from their opening three games, a remarkable feat for the Ligue 1 side. Leverkusen, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance, particularly their inability to control the midfield and capitalize on their early lead.
Key Moments:
• Florian Wirtz’s opening goal in the 18th minute, continuing his superb Champions League form.
• Pierre Lees-Melou’s stunning volley to equalize for Brest in the 36th minute.
• Late-game pressure from Leverkusen and a controversial penalty shout for Hofmann that went uncalled.
Final Score:
Stade Brest 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen