Bayer Leverkusen take a slender 1-0 lead into the second leg of their all-German last-16 Uefa Cup clash with Hamburg.
Gekas goal separates teams
Bayer Leverkusen take a slender 1-0 lead into the second leg of their all-German last-16 Uefa Cup clash with Hamburg.
The home side drew 1-1 with their opponents in the Bundesliga last month but were able to win this time out thanks to Theofanis Gekas' 77th-minute effort.
They had the best of a lively first-half, forcing Hamburg keeper Frank Rost into several saves.
The second half began in a similar vein, with the home side having several opportunities but being let down by their finishing.
Hamburg themselves pressed, forcing Leverkusen keeper Rene Alder into several stops, including from Rafael Van Der Vaart and Ivica Olic free-kicks within a minute.
Deadlock broken
But Gekas finally broke the deadlock, rising highest to meet Tranquillo Barnetta's corner in the 77th minute.
Going behind seemed to galvanise Hamburg, who increased the tempo and looked to have levelled scores with the final whistle approaching.
Mohamed Zidan stroked the ball into the back of the net after a promising attack, but the whistle had already been blown for offside and the match ended 1-0.
The tight result means next Wednesday's second leg between the two sides remains on a knife-edge.
