Unbeaten Leverkusen Held By Hertha In Stalemate
Faizan Hashmi Published November 30, 2020 | 12:30 AM
Berlin, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Nov, 2020 ) :Bayer Leverkusen missed the chance to go second in the Bundesliga with a 0-0 draw at home to Hertha Berlin on Sunday, while Hoffenheim's winless run was extended to seven league games after being held by Mainz.
In-form Jamaica winger Leon Bailey had found the net five times in his last four matches for Leverkusen in all competitions, but he and his colleagues were left frustrated on Sunday as Hertha took a hard-earned point back to the German capital.
"Hertha were difficult to play against, so there wasn't much more in it for us today. We had too few chances and didn't use our set-pieces," said Leverkusen midfielder Julian Baumgartlinger.
Leverkusen had scored 18 goals in their previous five matches, but their in-form attack was held at bay by a suffocating Berlin defence on Sunday.
Both Bailey and Kerem Demirbay tested goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow with long-range efforts in the first half, while Dodi Lukebakio twice came close for Hertha at the other end.
Lars Bender almost snatched a late winner for Leverkusen when he flicked Demirbay's free-kick past the post from six yards out.
A win would have seen Leverkusen move to within a point of league leaders Bayern Munich. Instead, they remain in third behind Bayern and RB Leipzig.
Hertha, who have earned just eight points in their first nine games, will hope to put their season back on course with a win in next Friday's derby against high-flying cross-city rivals Union Berlin.
Later on Sunday, Togo striker Ihlas Bebou secured Hoffenheim a point in a 1-1 draw away to Mainz.
Bebou's second-half equaliser rescued a frustrating afternoon for Hoffenheim, who have not won in the league since their surprise 4-1 victory over champions Bayern in September.
Jean-Philippe Mateta twice came close for Mainz before Robin Quaison put them ahead with a tap-in just after the half-hour mark.
Having dominated possession for much of the game, Hoffenheim were finally rewarded for their patience when Bebou turned Ryan Sessegnon's cross into the net on 62 minutes.
Mateta struck the post with 15 minutes to play, and Hoffenheim were forced to cling on with 10 men after Dennis Geiger was sent off for kicking out at Mainz striker Karim Onisiwo.
After losing their first six games this season, Mainz are now unbeaten in November but remain in the bottom three after Sunday's draw.
Hoffenheim are stuck in 12th, their domestic troubles in stark contrast to a sparkling Europa League campaign, in which they have won four games out of four.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Terrorists of Shangla suicide attack will be brought to justice: Interior Minist ..
Applications Open for 6th Cycle of Start-up Incubation under the National Expans ..
Join vivo's "Light it Up" Social Media Contest in Ramadan to Win vivo V30 5G
Pakistan v New Zealand T20I series: Tickets to go on sale from today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 March 2024
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
2 days ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
2 days ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
4 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
4 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
5 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
5 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
5 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
5 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
5 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
7 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
7 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
7 days ago