Christian Kofane Opens Champions League Account in Leverkusen’s Draw with PSV

• Christian Kofane opened his Champions League account for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring in the 65th minute to give his side the lead in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven
• The 19-year-old forward now has two goals to his credit with the German club
• On two points in two games, Leverkusen will face holders Paris Saint-Germain at home on October 21, the same night PSV host Napoli

Teenage forward Christian Kofane announced himself on the European stage with a poacher’s finish on his first Champions League start for Bayer Leverkusen, though his strike was not enough to seal victory as the Bundesliga side were held 1-1 by PSV Eindhoven at the BayArena. The result leaves Leverkusen still searching for their first win in Group C after back-to-back draws.

For over an hour, the contest looked destined to drift towards a stalemate after a cagey, goalless first half. But in the 65th minute, the 19-year-old seized on a defensive calamity from the visitors.

PSV captain Jerdy Schouten’s back pass was miscontrolled by Armando Obispo, allowing Kofane to pounce, steal possession, and calmly slot home from close range to give Leverkusen the breakthrough.

It was a landmark moment for Kofane, his first goal in the Champions League and only his second in Leverkusen colours, having previously found the net in the DFB-Pokal.

Signed last season from Spanish second-tier side Albacete for just over €5 million, where he bagged eight goals in 20 appearances, the teenager is quickly proving his worth and earning the trust of new head coach Kasper Hjulmand.

Leverkusen’s advantage, however, lasted barely seven minutes. PSV hit back in the 72nd minute when Guus Til’s clever cut-back found Ismael Saibari, who rifled a low drive past Lukáš Hrádecký to restore parity and deny the hosts all three points.

The draw handed PSV their first point of the campaign following an opening defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise, while Leverkusen now sit on two points after their stalemate with Copenhagen on Matchday 1.

For Hjulmand’s side, the result keeps their unbeaten run under the Dane intact five matches since his appointment in September but leaves plenty of work to do in a competitive group.

Next up, the stakes rise even higher. Leverkusen will welcome reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to the BayArena on October 21. On the same night, PSV face another stern test as they host Serie A giants Napoli.