The return of Patrik Schick to the Leverkusen starting line up was a major boost for Gerardo Seoane's side in Bochum, but Die Werkself were again cursing their luck with injuries as Jonathan Tah had to be replaced by Mitchel Bakker just half an hour into the game. Both sides pressed forward at every opportunity in search of a breakthrough but both struggled to carve out clear-cut first-half chances of note, despite Takuma Asano and Paulinho, in particular, looking lively early on. Danilo Soares did rattle the crossbar after cutting in from the left onto his right foot and letting fly, but his deflected effort rebounded off the woodwork and to safety. Soares turned provider on the stroke of half time as his cross found Sebastian Polter for the biggest chance of the half, but the Bochum top scorer could only head straight at Lukas Hradecky from close range.

Asano was immediately presented with a chance after the break but the Japan international fired well over. Just as the first 45 minutes, both teams continued to find it difficult to create openings in the second half as the two defensive banks impressed. That was until Eduard Löwen - just seconds after coming on as a substitute - tripped Paulinho in the box, handing Leverkusen the chance from the penalty spot. Up stepped Diaby, who slipped as he made contact but found the back of the net nonetheless. The Frenchman had, however, struck the ball twice, with his left-footed effort hitting Diaby's buckled right foot as he fell and his spot-kick was ruled out for a double touch. It was terribly unfortunate for Diaby and Leverkusen, who could do nothing but accept the referee's correct decision. They also had to withdraw Karim Bellarabi - who had only been on the pitch for 11 minutes as a second-half replacement - as a result of yet another injury in a frustrating day all round for the visitors. They will, however, be guaranteed of ending the matchday still in third place.

Watch: Andrich: "Have to take the point"

BOC VfL Bochum 1848 VfL Bochum 1848 - B04 Bayer 04 Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Leverkusen left frustrated by Bochum draw