Bayer Leverkusen scored twice in four minutes to beat Valencia 2-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday and tighten their hold on second spot in Group E.Valencia led at the interval with a goal by Jonas but Andre Schuerrle levelled with a thundering drive in the 52nd minute and Sidney Sam snatched the winner in the 56th to secure Leverkusen\'s first win over a Spanish side in the last eight attempts.The result leaves the 2002 Champions League finalists in second spot on six points, one behind leaders Chelsea who crushed Belgium\'s Racing Genk. Valencia, who had dominated in the first half and have only themselves to blame for not having led by more goals, are third on two points. The game, seen by both coaches as key for a top two finish that secures qualification to the knockout stage, got off to a frantic start with Valencia dominating possession and threatening with a powerful Roberto Soldado shot. The Spanish forward was then fortunate to see the ball deflected into his path in the 20th minute but his close-range effort was off target.Soldado was involved again five minutes later when he benefitted from some confusion between defenders Stefan Reinartz and Omer Toprak, cut into the area and set up Brazilian Jonas to tap in for his first Champions League goal.Soldado should have added another a little later but failed to keep his header from six metres down before Leverkusen keeper Bernd Leno made a spectacular double save as the Spaniards went on a full frontal attack.Frustration showed for Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt, who was pacing up and down, barking orders.His shouts awakened his players with Schuerrle forcing a good save from keeper Diego Alves who then palmed a point-blank Michael Ballack header wide just before the break.Germany international Schuerrle was on target seven minutes after the restart, firing in a powerful left-footer from a Michal Kadlec cross before Sam added another in an unexpected turnaround, sprinting to chase down a deep pass and beat Alves.
GMT 22:55 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Manchester United retain world's richest club statusGMT 05:19 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Man City midfielder Fernandinho signs contract extension to 2020GMT 13:46 2018 Friday ,19 January
Borussia Dortmund deny contact with Arsenal for Pierre-Emerick AubameyangGMT 13:38 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Chelsea edge into FA Cup fourth round, Bournemouth rockedGMT 10:38 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Arsenal 'target' Malcom faces rap over videoGMT 07:49 2018 Tuesday ,16 January
Football: Giggs set to be named as Wales bossGMT 07:08 2018 Monday ,15 January
Sevilla let Real off hook with Alaves defeatGMT 07:02 2018 Saturday ,13 January
Everton in talks to sign Arsenal's WalcottMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor