Bayer Leverkusen were held to a thrilling 1-1 draw by Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Florian Wirtz netting for the visitors.
Wirtz, the 21-year-old Germany international, opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a brilliant strike from 20 yards. It was his third goal in as many Champions League outings, giving Leverkusen the early advantage.
The Bundesliga champions nearly extended their lead when Wirtz danced through three defenders but his shot lacked power. However, Pierre Lees-Melou equalized for Brest just before halftime, volleying home after a looping ball fell to him on the edge of the box in the 39th minute.
Both teams entered the match with perfect records in the league phase, and the intense contest left them tied on seven points, with Brest narrowly ahead on goals scored.
Leverkusen pushed hard for a penalty after the hour mark when Jonas Hofmann’s cross struck a hand, but the referee deemed it unintentional. Brest had a golden chance late in the match when Mama Balde hit the side netting from a tight angle in the 87th minute, but neither side could find a winner.
The draw leaves both teams sitting third and fourth in the group, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Champions League group stage.
