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Bayer Leverkusen played out a thrilling 1-1 draw against Brest in their Champions League encounter on Wednesday, with young German star Florian Wirtz scoring for the visitors.
Wirtz, who now has three goals in as many Champions League games this season, gave Leverkusen an early lead. However, Brest’s Pierre Lees-Melou equalized with a powerful volley before the halftime break.
Both teams came into the match boasting perfect records from their opening two group-stage fixtures.
Lees-Melou, speaking to Canal+, acknowledged the tough challenge but was proud of his team’s performance. “A lot of people thought we were going to get thrashed, but we showed we’re a team with heart and unity,” he said.
Wirtz, 21, put Leverkusen ahead in the 24th minute with a precise long-range shot. He nearly added a second five minutes later, weaving through several defenders only to see his effort lack the power to trouble the Brest goalkeeper.
Brest leveled the score six minutes before halftime when a high ball found Lees-Melou, who expertly volleyed it into the bottom corner.
The second half was a battle for control, with Leverkusen appealing for a penalty when Jonas Hofmann’s cross hit a hand in the box, though the referee deemed it unintentional. Brest’s Mahdi Camara tested Leverkusen’s goalkeeper, Matej Kovar, with a fierce shot that was saved.
In the 87th minute, substitute Mama Baldé had a great chance for Brest, but his shot from a tight angle only found the sidenetting.
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was left frustrated in stoppage time when VAR declined to award a penalty after Hofmann appeared to be fouled in the box. In the final moments, Wirtz missed a golden opportunity, firing over the bar from inside the area.
The match ended with both teams sharing the points.
