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Played
October 19, 2011 7:45 PM BST
BayArena — Leverkusen
Referee: C. Thomson
Attendance: 26384
October 19, 2011 7:45 PM BST
BayArena — Leverkusen
Referee: C. Thomson
Attendance: 26384
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| Leverkusen | 2.35 | 1.15 | 2.40 | 1.10 | 2.40 | 2.55 | 1.03 | 2.42 | 2.40 |
| Draw | 3.25 | 4.50 | 3.30 | 7.50 | 3.30 | 3.30 | 10.00 | 3.35 | 3.25 |
| Valencia | 3.15 | 34.00 | 2.85 | 46.00 | 3.00 | 2.80 | 80.00 | 3.10 | 2.85 |
Top of the Match
Andre Schürrle
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Michael Ballack
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Flop of the Match
Pablo Hernández
Valencia CF
Valencia CF
Stefan Reinartz
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Goal.com Rating 
Fans' Rating Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 Valencia: Robin Dutt's men come from behind to claim crucial victory
Things looked bleak for the German side after Los Che took the lead early on, but the hosts managed to triumph thanks to a pair of stunning goals
By Vasil Kotsev
Christof Koepsel
Bayer Leverkusen staged to a hard-fought comeback in 2-1 victory at the BayArena against Valencia on Wednesday night, to continue their pursuit of Chelsea at the top of Champions League Group E.
Brazilian striker Jonas converted Los Che's early dominance into a goal in the first half, but strikes from Andre Schurrle and Sidney Sam after the break helped B04 to a breathtaking win.
Valencia made their intentions known right from the start as they aggressively pressured Bayer Leverkusen in their own half, trying to force a mistake. This strategy clearly worked as Robin Dutt's men lacked composure on the ball and were easily losing possession.
Jeremy Mathieu was the first to seriously threaten Bernd Leno as in the 15th minute he powered a superb shot first time from outside the box, but the goalkeeper was well positioned and calmly collected.
Moments later Los Che even got closer to scoring as Roberto Soldado was picked out by Ever Banega, but could only strike the post from just seven yards out.
In the 24th minute, however, Valencia finally got their goal through Jonas, who deftly deflected a cross from the left wing by Soldado to put the visitors ahead.
The goal shook Leverkusen, who stepped up their game and never looked back. In the 38th minute Schurrle nearly scored the goal of the round with an immense volley from 30 yards out, and moments later Diego Alves showed great reflexes to deny Sam and Stefan Kiessling from close range.
Robin Dutt's men went all guns blazing after the restart and deservedly got the equaliser seven minutes into the second period through Schurrle, who powered an immaculate finish with his weaker left foot into the left corner to draw the game level.
On the opposite flank four minutes later winger Sam scored an even better goal to turn the match around. He burst into space and curled a super finish into the top left corner, leaving goalkeeper Alves with absolutely no chance.
Germany international Schurrle continued to terrorise Valencia as he saw a free-kick saved by Alves shortly after the hour mark, and later on went on a mesmerizing run, skipping past five players before seeing his shot saved by the goalkeeper.
Los Che tried hard to equalise in the closing minutes of the match, but were ultimately unable to break Bayer Leverkusen's resolute defence, who in the end picked up what could prove to be a pivotal victory in Group E.
Following tonight's result, Bayer Leverkusen are second with six points, while Valencia sit third with two. The two sides meet again on November 1 in Spain at the Mestalla.
Brazilian striker Jonas converted Los Che's early dominance into a goal in the first half, but strikes from Andre Schurrle and Sidney Sam after the break helped B04 to a breathtaking win.
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Valencia made their intentions known right from the start as they aggressively pressured Bayer Leverkusen in their own half, trying to force a mistake. This strategy clearly worked as Robin Dutt's men lacked composure on the ball and were easily losing possession.
Jeremy Mathieu was the first to seriously threaten Bernd Leno as in the 15th minute he powered a superb shot first time from outside the box, but the goalkeeper was well positioned and calmly collected.
Moments later Los Che even got closer to scoring as Roberto Soldado was picked out by Ever Banega, but could only strike the post from just seven yards out.
In the 24th minute, however, Valencia finally got their goal through Jonas, who deftly deflected a cross from the left wing by Soldado to put the visitors ahead.
The goal shook Leverkusen, who stepped up their game and never looked back. In the 38th minute Schurrle nearly scored the goal of the round with an immense volley from 30 yards out, and moments later Diego Alves showed great reflexes to deny Sam and Stefan Kiessling from close range.
Robin Dutt's men went all guns blazing after the restart and deservedly got the equaliser seven minutes into the second period through Schurrle, who powered an immaculate finish with his weaker left foot into the left corner to draw the game level.
On the opposite flank four minutes later winger Sam scored an even better goal to turn the match around. He burst into space and curled a super finish into the top left corner, leaving goalkeeper Alves with absolutely no chance.
Germany international Schurrle continued to terrorise Valencia as he saw a free-kick saved by Alves shortly after the hour mark, and later on went on a mesmerizing run, skipping past five players before seeing his shot saved by the goalkeeper.
Los Che tried hard to equalise in the closing minutes of the match, but were ultimately unable to break Bayer Leverkusen's resolute defence, who in the end picked up what could prove to be a pivotal victory in Group E.
Following tonight's result, Bayer Leverkusen are second with six points, while Valencia sit third with two. The two sides meet again on November 1 in Spain at the Mestalla.
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Goal
Own Goal
Penalty
Penalty Missed
Yellow Card
Assist
Penalty Save
Penalty Shootout Goal
Penalty Shootout Miss
Yellow Card / Red Card
Red Card
Substitution IN
Substitution OUT
Injury
Goal.com Rating
Goal.com Man of the Match
Goal.com Flop of the Match
Top & Flop Global Ranking- Fans' Man of the Match
Fans' Flop of the Match
Match News
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
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Lionel Messi
Striker Barcelona |
14 | 4 |
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Mario Gomez
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13 | 0 |
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Cristiano Ronaldo
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10 | 2 |
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Karim Benzema
Striker Real Madrid |
7 | 0 |
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Didier Drogba
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6 | 0 |
