Genk draw denies Leverkusen pole position
Reuters - Tuesday 06 December 2011, 21:56
Bayer Leverkusen
surrendered their lead of Champions League Group E but qualified
for the knockout phase after snatching a late equaliser to draw
1-1 draw with Racing Genk on Tuesday.
Genk appeared to be on course for their first victory in the
competition after Jelle Vossen's smart volley on the half-hour
mark from a low Dugary Ndabashinze cross.
However, Sidney Sam, Leverkusen's most dangerous player,
found an unmarked Eren Derdiyok 11 minutes from time and the
German side's top scorer fired in low to equalise.
Both sides had chances to win in the exciting final few
minutes of a match that had begun slowly with little at stake
beyond pride for the home side and a potentially more favourable
last-16 draw for the visitors.
Leverkusen were already assured of their passage beyond the
group phase before Tuesday's match, while Genk knew they would
end bottom of the group after letting in 14 goals in three away
games.
Leverkusen preserved their record of never having lost to a
Belgian side. Genk, who had lost their last three matches
including a 7-0 drubbing in Valencia, salvaged pride by ending
undefeated at home with three draws.
Leverkusen finished second behind English Premier League
side Chelsea, who beat Valencia 3-0 in Group E's other match.