Bayer Leverkusen scored a late equaliser to draw 1-1 against Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga this afternoon.
Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann was called into action for the first time in the 10th minute to stop Admir Mehmedi's header.
Two minutes later, his opposite number Bernd Leno had to be alert to stop Max Meyer's close-range effort.
Benedikt Howedes then forced Leno into another save when he rose highest at a corner.
Karim Bellarabi came closest to a goal in the first half. On the half-hour mark, his shot struck the crossbar from 10 yards before volleying wide from six yards on the verge of half time.
Maxim Choupo-Moting scored the opener for Schalke shortly after the restart, powering the ball in from close range after Leon Goretzka played him in.
Javier Hernandez nearly scored an immediate equaliser when a corner fell kindly to him, but the former Manchester United striker was unable to hit the target.
Omer Toprak had a huge opportunity to level the scores in the final 15 minute, but his volley was saved by Fahrmann.
Leverkusen did grab an equaliser just four minutes from time, however, when Sascha Riether diverted the ball into his own net to ensure that the spoils were shared.
Jonathan McIntosh
