Sports

Leverkusen Held To Stalemate In Champions League By Battling Brest

Published

1 year ago

October 24, 2024

Bayer Leverkusen were held to an entertaining 1-1 draw at Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Germany starlet Florian Wirtz netting for the visitors.

A third goal in three Champions League outings for Wirtz handed Leverkusen the advantage, but Pierre Lees-Melou crashed home a volley to level matters in the first period.

Both sides went into the match with 100 percent records from their two outings so far in the league phase.

They now sit third and fourth in the table on seven points, with Brest ahead on goals scored.

Wirtz, 21, sent the Bundesliga champions into a 24th-minute lead with an arrowed finish from 20 yards.

Wirtz nearly doubled up on 29 minutes but could only muster a tame effort at goal after dancing his way through three defenders on the edge of the box.

But it was Brest who struck next when a looping ball dropped to Lees-Melou on the edge of the box and the midfielder lashed a volley into the bottom corner six minutes before the interval.

Both sides fought for the upper hand in the second half, with Brest surviving desperate Leverkusen appeals for a penalty after the hour when Jonas Hofmann’s cross struck a hand but it was adjudged to be in a natural position.

Mahdi Camara then stung Matej Kovar’s palms in the Leverkusen goal with a powerful, but too centrally-placed, half-volley with 15 minutes remaining.

Substitute Mama Balde had a golden opportunity on 87 minutes but hit the side netting as he closed in on goal from a tight angle.

Bayer coach Xabi Alonso was left to throw his arms up in frustration as the clock ticked into injury time when VAR again decided not to award his side a penalty after Hofmann was felled in the box.

Wirtz blazed a chance over the crossbar when well positioned inside the box in the 95th minute as Leverkusen sought desperately a late goal that has become a trademark of the side over the last season.

It did not come, however, as both sides were forced to settle for a point.

AFP

Related Topics:Champions League Leverkusen

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Sports

SWAN Kicks Off 60th Anniversary/Awards With Religious Services

Published

2 days ago

October 23, 2025

Editor

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) is set to hold its 60th anniversary with Jumat Prayer and Thanksgiving on Friday October 24, 2025.

A statement by the Media and Publicity Committee of the anniversary said the special prayer and thanksgiving will be held in all the state chapters and FCT at the venues which would be determined by the leadership of the various chapters.

According to the statement, the SWAN Diamond Jubilee and Award Ceremony will also feature the full council which is a meeting of the National Executive Council, zonal vice presidents and secretaries and state chairmen and secretaries.

The committee, while inviting “government functionaries, lovers of sports, members of the association and the general public to join SWAN members at the services to thank God for a successful 60-year journey,” added: “All activities at the event will hold at the National Stadium, Abuja between Oct. 29 and Oct. 31.”

“It will also be an opportunity for us to collectively pray for protection of members, better sports fortuneNigeria’s sports men and women and a more prosperous sports sector,” it said.

Sports

EPL: Trossard Strike As Arsenal Beat Fulham 1-0

Published

7 days ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Arsenal edged past Fulham with a narrow 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage, climbing three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. The result marked another composed and professional display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who continue to show their title credentials.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Leandro Trossard calmly finished after a clever set-piece routine.

Bukayo Saka delivered a dangerous corner that was flicked on by Gabriel, setting up Trossard to slot home the winner.

Arteta’s side dominated possession throughout, limiting Fulham to very few chances in front of goal.

The hosts struggled to create any real threat, with Arsenal’s defence staying compact and composed.

With the victory, Arsenal overtake Manchester City to sit three points clear at the summit after another disciplined away performance.

More to follow…

Sports

EPL: Nottingham Forest Sacks Postecoglou After 3-0 Defeat To Chelsea

Published

1 week ago

October 18, 2025

Editor

Nottingham Forest have sacked Ange Postecoglou barely minutes after their 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

A statement from the Premier league club, released 20 minutes after full-time at the City Ground, reads: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Postecoglou was in charge for eight games and six of those ended in defeat.

It included an early Carabao Cup exit at Championship club Swansea City, when Forest led 2-1 in the 92nd minute before conceding two in four minutes to lose 3-2.

The other two games – away at Burnley (Premier League) and Real Betis (Europa League) ended in draws.