UEFA Youth League - U19s secure 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain

Compared with the 2-0 league win at Rot-Weiss Essen U19 head coach Kevin Brok made three changes to the starting XI: Ben Hawighorst and the U17 players Elia Datené and Ivan Massek started in place of Naba Mensah (injured) and Marton Szép (bench) as well as Ken Izekor. The latter, along with Montrell Culbreath and Jeremiah Mensah, took part in the Champions League final training session with the Werkself professionals the day before. Keeper Simeon Rapsch, Isaiah Eichie, Francesco Buono, Emmanuel Chigozie Owen and Melis Djedovic also had to miss out through injury. Bayer 04 went into the match with maximum points from the first two games of the league phase, while PSG previously defeated Atalanta (5-1) and lost to Barcelona (1-2).

Efficient Werkself lead at half-time

Leverkusen allowed the visitors from France the majority of possession in the early stages and, with their five-man defence and three central players in midfield, concentrated primarily on their work against the ball. Zayon Chtai Telamio had the first PSG chance after nine minutes, but keeper Jesper Schlich and Julien Kurowski combined to clear the ball. PSG maintained the pressure but the Leverkusen defence stood firm without any major problems. A full 35 minutes had elapsed when the Werkself began their first brief period of pressure - and were immediately rewarded with the opening goal. First, PSG goalkeeper Martin James saved a tricky free-kick from Elia Datené, then Burak Kir scored from a scramble in the PSG penalty area to make it 1-0 (37'). Shortly after that, Dustin Buck had to leave the pitch due to an injury and was replaced by Szép. The home side went into the half-time break with a narrow lead.

PSG turn game round, Bayer 04 hit back

The second half began with two brilliant saves by Bayer 04 keeper Schlich from a header by Chtai Telamio (48') and a shot by Pierre Mounguengue (50'). The visitors' pressure in this phase resulted in Rayan Abo El Nay equalising at 1-1 following a remarkable move down the left flank (52'). Two minutes later, referee Danilo Nikolić from Serbia believed he saw a handball by Kurowski in his own penalty area. Mathis Jangeal slotted home the penalty to make it 2-1 for the French side (55'). However, the Werkself did not give up - and succeeded in getting back on terms. Kurowski headed home a perfectly-timed cross from Massek to make it 2-2 (64'). At the start of the final phase, Ferdinand Pohl stopped a PSG attacking move with a last-ditch challenge (78') and Schlich thwarted another effort in stoppage time (90+2’). Almost at the final whistle, Berghoff missed chance to net the winner at 3-2 after an outstanding solo run (90+4). The game ended all square - and the Werkself collected point number seven from their first three Youth League encounters.

coming up: top match at Borussia Dortmund

The Leverkusen U19s continue their DFB Youth League campaign with a top-of-the-table clash at Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, 26 October (kick-off: 11 a.m.). The match will be broadcast live on the DFB channels.

Match stats:

Bayer 04: Schlich - Kurowski, Domnic, Pohl, Hawighorst (El Massoudi 68’), Turay - Datené, Kir (Ermec 68’), Berghoff - Buck (Szép 40’), Massek (Hololobov 90+2’)

Paris Saint-Germain: James - Boly, Diandaga (Coulibaly 73’), Lucea, Cordier - Abo El Nay (Idder 81’), Diyinu Nzinga, Jangeal - Ayari, Mounguengue (Ly 71’), Chtai Telamio (Nsoki 81’)

Goals: 1-0 Kir (37'), 1-1 Abo El Nay (52'), 1-2 Jangeal (55'), 2-2 Kurowski (64')

Yellow cards: Diandaga, Lucea

Referee: Danilo Nikolić (Serbia)

Attendance: 611 at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium