Bayer Leverkusen finished their Bundesliga season with a 1-1 draw against Hamburger SV on Tuesday, missing out on a top four finish but securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League.
The result extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten run against Hamburg to four matches and ended the visitors’ successful return campaign to the Bundesliga in 13th place.
Knowing victory was essential to keep slim Champions League hopes alive, Leverkusen controlled possession early on but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Their best chance of the first half arrived when defender Jordan Torunarigha was penalised for fouling Patrik Schick inside the penalty area.
Schick stepped up to take the penalty himself, but his effort was comfortably saved by Hamburg goalkeeper Sander Tangvik.
Hamburg gradually became more dangerous before halftime, with Albert Sambi Lokonga testing Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken from long range.
Leverkusen pushed forward again after the break, with Ibrahim Maza going close from outside the box.
However, it was Hamburg who took the lead just after the hour mark. Fábio Vieira collected a pass from Nicolás Capaldo before curling an impressive finish into the top corner.
Leverkusen eventually found an equaliser 12 minutes from time when a dangerous free kick into the box resulted in an own goal from Nicolai Remberg.
Despite late pressure from the home side, neither team could find a winner as the points were shared.
The draw confirmed that coach Kasper Hjulmand’s Leverkusen side will compete in the Europa League next season rather than the Champions League.
For Hamburg, the result capped a respectable first season back in Germany’s top division after years outside the Bundesliga.