Bayer Leverkusen failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Roger Schmidt’s side drew 1-1 with Group E winners and holders FC Barcelona, but it wasn’t enough to see them through. AS Roma drew 0-0 in their match against BATE Borisov and therefore pipped Leverkusen to second place thanks to a superior head-to-head record. Schmidt’s side will have to make do with Europa League football when continental football resumes in 2016.
Barca manager Luis Enrique, who had seen his side already secure qualification to the next round before this evening’s fixture, rested a large number of his players as expected. Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué were left at home, while Brazilian superstar Neymar picked up an injury in training. Dani Alves was also missing due to suspension.
Messi scores, Chicharito responds immediately
In front of 29,412 supporters at the sold-out BayArena, Bayer started well against the Spanish champions and almost took the lead in the twelfth minute through Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international’s free-kick effort was unable to beat German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen in the away goal.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his 80th Champions League goal, taking advantage of the guest’s first real chance of the match, latching on to Ivan Rakitic’s sublime pass before rounding Bernd Leno.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez dragged Leverkusen back into the game just three minutes later, however, with his fifth goal of the season in the competition. Messi could have made it 2-1 shortly afterwards, but the Werkself held on.
Ter Stegen denies Leverkusen three points
After the break, Bayer sought to break down the shaky Barca defence to put themselves into the lead. The first chance came in the 49th minute when Calhanoglu curled a shot round the far post from the left-hand side. Moments later, Karim Bellarabi dribbled his way into the penalty box, but missed the opportunity to get a shot off.
Calhanoglu had another chance in the 58th minute, but he failed to really test ter Stegen’s goal. The Germany international was kept busy, but denied Bellarabi in a one-on-one situation. Bayer pushed forward, trying everything the could, but were unable to continue carving out the chances to find the winner.
Lewandowski fires Bayern to victory
Bayern München wrapped up their group with a new club record – 15 points, 19 goals scored and just three conceded – thanks to Robert Lewandowski. Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-0 winners against Dinamo Zagreb thanks to a quickfire brace from the Poland international (60’ & 64’) after a tricky first half.
With a changed line-up, Bayern lacked their usual dominance, even with Guardiola moving captain Philipp Lahm out of the back four and into the midfield. It took a good hour before Bayern could gain any real momentum, with Lewandowski heading in from close range after a delightful cross from substitute Thomas Müller. The club’s top scorer extended his side’s lead just moments later, latching onto Sebastian Rode’s through ball and chipping the ball over the out-charging keeper. Müller missed the chance to make it three late on when he hit the post from the penalty spot.
[mmc/jm]
Bayer Leverkusen failed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League. Roger Schmidt’s side drew 1-1 with Group E winners and holders FC Barcelona, but it wasn’t enough to see them through. AS Roma drew 0-0 in their match against BATE Borisov and therefore pipped Leverkusen to second place thanks to a superior head-to-head record. Schmidt’s side will have to make do with Europa League football when continental football resumes in 2016.
Barca manager Luis Enrique, who had seen his side already secure qualification to the next round before this evening’s fixture, rested a large number of his players as expected. Andrés Iniesta and Gerard Piqué were left at home, while Brazilian superstar Neymar picked up an injury in training. Dani Alves was also missing due to suspension.
Messi scores, Chicharito responds immediately
In front of 29,412 supporters at the sold-out BayArena, Bayer started well against the Spanish champions and almost took the lead in the twelfth minute through Hakan Calhanoglu. The Turkey international’s free-kick effort was unable to beat German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen in the away goal.
Lionel Messi opened the scoring with his 80th Champions League goal, taking advantage of the guest’s first real chance of the match, latching on to Ivan Rakitic’s sublime pass before rounding Bernd Leno.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez dragged Leverkusen back into the game just three minutes later, however, with his fifth goal of the season in the competition. Messi could have made it 2-1 shortly afterwards, but the Werkself held on.
Ter Stegen denies Leverkusen three points
After the break, Bayer sought to break down the shaky Barca defence to put themselves into the lead. The first chance came in the 49th minute when Calhanoglu curled a shot round the far post from the left-hand side. Moments later, Karim Bellarabi dribbled his way into the penalty box, but missed the opportunity to get a shot off.
Calhanoglu had another chance in the 58th minute, but he failed to really test ter Stegen’s goal. The Germany international was kept busy, but denied Bellarabi in a one-on-one situation. Bayer pushed forward, trying everything the could, but were unable to continue carving out the chances to find the winner.
Lewandowski fires Bayern to victory
Bayern München wrapped up their group with a new club record – 15 points, 19 goals scored and just three conceded – thanks to Robert Lewandowski. Pep Guardiola’s side ran out 2-0 winners against Dinamo Zagreb thanks to a quickfire brace from the Poland international (60’ & 64’) after a tricky first half.
With a changed line-up, Bayern lacked their usual dominance, even with Guardiola moving captain Philipp Lahm out of the back four and into the midfield. It took a good hour before Bayern could gain any real momentum, with Lewandowski heading in from close range after a delightful cross from substitute Thomas Müller. The club’s top scorer extended his side’s lead just moments later, latching onto Sebastian Rode’s through ball and chipping the ball over the out-charging keeper. Müller missed the chance to make it three late on when he hit the post from the penalty spot.
