LENS, March 8 (UEFA Cup) - Daniel Cousin`s penalty handed Lens a slender 2-1 win over 10-man Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Cup last 16 clash at the Stade Felix-Bollaert.
Olivier Monterrubio handed the hosts an early lead, but the German outfit bounced back through Karim Haggui just after half-time.
Haggui`s joy was shortlived, though, as he received his marching orders for a wild challenge on Monterrubio in the penalty area 20 minutes from time.
Cousin coolly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner to give Lens the win their enterprising second-half display deserved.
Maccabi Haifa and Espanyol were both left to rue a series of missed chances after grinding out a goalless draw.
Espanyol midfielder Moha El Yaagoubi came closest to scoring during an entertaining encounter when his 18-yard drive rattled the crossbar after the interval.
But in truth, both sides lacked a real cutting edge and will need to be more clinical in the second-leg next week if they want to reach the last eight.
Haggui`s joy was shortlived, though, as he received his marching orders for a wild challenge on Monterrubio in the penalty area 20 minutes from time.
Cousin coolly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom left corner to give Lens the win their enterprising second-half display deserved.
Maccabi Haifa and Espanyol were both left to rue a series of missed chances after grinding out a goalless draw.
Espanyol midfielder Moha El Yaagoubi came closest to scoring during an entertaining encounter when his 18-yard drive rattled the crossbar after the interval.
But in truth, both sides lacked a real cutting edge and will need to be more clinical in the second-leg next week if they want to reach the last eight.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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