Bayer 04 Leverkusen cemented their place at the top of UEFA Champions League Group C with a 2-1 win at Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday thanks to Son Heung-min’s superb second-half goals.
The South Korean striker got the second-half breakthrough Bayer needed after an unconvincing first 45 minutes when he shot into the top-right corner on 68 minutes.
The 22-year-old then added his second five minutes later at Zenit’s Petrovsky Stadium when he held off the Russian defense after striker Stefan Kiessling had won back possession.
The South Korean star showed plenty of poise in front of goal, before coolly slotting his shot past goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin.
Zenit scored a late consolation goal when substitute Jose Rondon netted in the 89th minute after fellow substitute Aleksandr Ryazantsev lofted his pass over the Bayer defense to the feet of the Venezuelan striker.
“These three points are very important,” Son said.
“In the first half we were a little bit hectic, it wasn’t our match at all, but in the second half we put in a much better performance,” the South Korean said. “You always could see that we wanted to win this match and we finally did.”
The hosts’ goal sparked a frantic final five minutes as Zenit threw everything into attack in a bid to salvage a point.
It left space at the back and Leverkusen’s Australian substitute Robbie Kruse almost scored with his first touch as Bayer held on for the three points.
The Russian side certainly had the better of the first-half chances, while Leverkusen barely tested the Russian defense in the opening half an hour.
Brazil star Hulk hit the post from a curling free-kick after just 13 minutes to cause a few nerves in the visitors’ defense.
Then veteran striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov was presented with two clear opportunities by Zenit captain Danny inside the opening 30 minutes. Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno denied the Russian striker on both occasions.
Bayer’s third consecutive win, having lost their opening match against AS Monaco, saw them move on to nine points.
The victory in Russia was the perfect response to Saturday’s shock 1-0 defeat at Hamburg SV — their first loss in nine games — and it leaves them in pole position to qualify as Group C winners.
The defeat puts pressure on Andre Villas-Boas’ Russian Premier League leaders, who are third in the table, five points adrift of Leverkusen.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely