Leverkusen’s night at the BayArena promised much but ultimately ended in frustration as PSV Eindhoven left Germany with a 1–1 draw, snatching a point after conceding first in the mid-second half.
The result leaves Bayer Leverkusen still searching for that elusive group stage win, while PSV, who had stumbled in their opener, can take encouragement from a determined response in hostile territory.
The match settled into a teasing rhythm through the first half. Leverkusen, under the management of Kasper Hjulmand, attempted to impose their will, probing and pressing, yet found it difficult to break down a compact PSV backline. PSV, meanwhile, were cautious but willing to counter, seeking to exploit gaps as Leverkusen surged forward.
The Dutch side nearly drew first blood when an early effort from Ivan Perišić was flagged offside, but that moment served notice of their intent and capacity. Leverkusen, for their part, had their moments — Alex Grimaldo smashed one against the post — but the tension of the Champions League night kept both sides in check until the second half.
At 65 minutes, the deadlock was broken. A miscue in PSV’s defense gifted the ball to Christian Kofane, who did not need a second invitation. The teenager struck sharply, guiding Leverkusen into the lead and sending the home fans into celebration.
The goal came from a moment of sloppy defending rather than masterful build-up play, and while that may have frustrated purists, it underlined a recurring theme in European contests: tight margins.
Yet the lead would prove short-lived. Only seven minutes later, PSV responded. Ismael Saibari, finding space down the wing, surged forward, linked play smartly in midfield, and unleashed a powerful finish that curled into the net to level matters at 1–1. It was a strike born of composure and timing, and it energized the visitors. With momentum shifting, PSV pressed for more, seeking a winner that never quite materialized.
Leverkusen tried to reassert control. They upped the tempo, threw numbers forward, and sought to exploit channels, but PSV held firm. Tactical changes brought fresh legs into the contest, but the home side, despite superior possession, struggled to fashion a clear-cut second strike.
For PSV, this point was precious. Their opening match had ended in a home defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, and their Champions League ambitions looked shaky. But to come here and take a share after conceding first showed resilience.
From Leverkusen’s perspective, the draw feels like a missed opportunity. The expectations are higher, especially on home soil and in the early stages of a group that promises to be fiercely contested.