Hoffenheim 1 - 1 Bayer Leverkusen: Hoffenheim frustrate Bayer Leverkusen to move off the foot of the Bundesliga

Posted Sunday, January 24, 2016 by PA

Bayer Leverkusen failed to move into the top four of the Bundesliga on Saturday as they needed a late goal from Omer Toprak to claim a 1-1 draw against struggling Hoffenheim, who moved off the bottom of the table with a point.

Stefan Kiessling's header was tipped over by Oliver Baumann, at full stretch, in an early sign of what was going to be a busy afternoon for the Hoffenheim custodian.

It was not all happening in front of his goal, however, as Jiloan Hamad scored his first Bundesliga goal just before half-time, showing excellent composure with the way he volleyed his shot into the far corner through a pack of players inside the area.

Hamad missed an even easier chance to double Hoffenheim's lead early in the second half, lifting the ball over the crossbar from close range, before Jonathan Schmid hit the post for the hosts.

Leverkusen were playing a risky game, but it paid off when Toprak brought them level with 15 minutes remaining. After his initial shot hit the post, and Hoffenheim failed to clear their lines, he bravely headed in the loose ball from close range.

The guests peppered Baumann's goal with shots as time ran out, and the Hoffenheim custodian somehow resisted to earn his side a precious point.