Leverkusen edge five-goal thriller

Wednesday, 14 February 2007
Bayer 04 Leverkusen had the better of a five-goal thriller against Blackburn Rovers FC, although Shabani Nonda's late goal has left next week's return leg at Ewood Park wide open.

Callsen-Bracker header
Leverkusen took the lead after 18 minutes of this Round of 32 tie when Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker headed in Bernd Schneider's centre from close range. David Bentley equalised for the visitors on 38 minutes when he fired a right-footed shot that was deflected on its way into the net.

Two-goal cushion
It was not all square for long, though, as Carsten Ramelow restored home advantage two minutes before the break. After collecting a pass from Stefan Kiessling, the 32-year-old unleashed a 20-metre strike that also took a major deflection to foil goalkeeper Brad Friedel. Schneider gave the German side a two-goal cushion eleven minutes after the break when Gonzalo Castro drilled in a cross from the right which the 33-year-old flicked into the far corner with a superb back-heel.

Nonda hope
With the match seemingly heading for a convincing home win, the Premiership outfit reduced the arrears when Nonda registered four minutes from time what may prove to be an invaluable second away goal. Aaron Mokoena, who will miss the return after receiving a booking, flicked on Bentley's centre in a crowded penalty area where Nonda readjusted before powering a right-foot volley into the roof of the net.

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