Roger Schmidt’s side went into this important Champions League qualifier in high spirits after a cracking pre-season, while their opponents had lost their last two home games in the league.

That confidence will have increased ten-fold early on too, when Stefan Kießling latched onto a superb cross from Hakan Calhanoglu to arrow home after just five minutes to give Bayer the lead.

Despite the away goal, the Germans didn’t stop pressing, Kießling and Son both caught offside within a minute, as the Danish side were well on the back foot.

With barely the first chance they got though, they made Leverkusen pay. Thomas Delaney’s shot was tipped over by Leno, and from the resulting corner, the visitors left the post completely costless – and paid for it. Bengtsson whipped a teasing ball in, and Zanka had the simple task of directly the ball into the unmanned left hand corner to equalise.

Heung-Min Son then hit a rasping effort just wide, before Leno was again left clawing his hair out at his defence. The Lions again troubling from a set piece as Zanka turned provider, to Amartey, whose header left Leno helpless as the home side went 2-1 up after just 12 crazy minutes.

That didn’t deter Schmidt’s side though, and they were straight on the offensive. Calhanoglu and Boenisch both saw shots blocked twice on 26 minutes, as the back four threw everything at the ball to maintain their lead. Possession was finally made to count though on half an hour, when Bellarabi found space in the box, and dragged his shot into the bottom right hand corner for 2-2.

A rare quiet spell ensued though, as it seemed both sides would be happy to enter the break level, though Calhanoglu had other ideas. He once again worked his magic on the wing, and his pinpoint ball allowed Son to finally get on the scoresheet and send his side into the break ahead.

The second period started much like the first, Delaney and Kießling both went close as both sides looked capable of adding another goal. Stiker De Ridder came on for midfielder Claudemir as Solbakken attempted to change things, but Leverkusen continued to impress going forward.

First Son, and then the mightly impressive Calhanoglu had attempts blocked from the ‘keeper, as Schmidt must’ve thought back to earlier when they refused to capitalise when on top.

German sides have a habit of failing in European qualifiers over the last few years, but Leverkusen were massively on top here and already had three away goals. Bellarabi looking most likely as he had a shot saved, before firing one over the bar with ten minutes left.

Bayer 04 looked more comfortable at the back late on though, and a Delaney effort which flew a few yards over was as close as the home side got late on.

That meant the away side will take a 3-2 lead into the second leg, which will take place at the BayArena a week on Wednesday – and the Germans will be big favourites to qualify for the group stages.

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About the author
Brad Smith
Director of football charity @Kits4Causes, and Bundesliga writer