Leverkusen's draw to Club Brugge enough for Europa League berth
With a potential place in the Europa League at stake, Leverkusen drew to Club Brugge at the BayArena on the final matchday to barely move past Atletico Madrid in their group.
A fairly uneventful 0-0 draw between Leverkusen and Club Brugge on Tuesday night proved to be huge point for the German club. With Porto's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, a draw is enough for Leverkusen's entry into the Europe League, while Club Brugge failed to become the first Belgian side to win a Champions League group.
Leverkusen tried to challenge Club Brugge with some early over-the-top balls, but nothing came to be. The Belgian club had several decent opportunities from set-pieces, but couldn't seriously challenge Lukas Hradecky.
Moussa Diaby had the best chance of the half in the 32nd minute, but his effort was saved by in-form Brugge keeper Simon Mignolet. Xabi Alonso's side clearly emphasized the link-up play down the right wing between Diaby and Jeremie Frimpoing in the scoreless first half.
Brugge were off to a fiery start in the opening minute of the second period with two quick-fire shots nearly finding the back of the net. Mignolet made another superb save to keep the game all square from Patrik Schick's corner header in the 54th minute.
Leverkusen were hanging on, a draw now only required with the news that Porto was in control against Atletico in the other Group B match. Despite late opportunities for Robert Andrich and Schick in front of goal, home supporters were not awarded a winner.
Leverkusen face league leaders Union Berlin on Sunday before the Bundesliga's 'English' week just before the World Cup break.