Simao Sabrosa converted a second half penalty to give holder Atletico Madrid a 1-1 draw at home to Group B leader Bayer Leverkusen in the Europe League on Thursday.
Swiss international Eren Derdiyok put the German side ahead in the 39th minute with a powerful volley, pouncing on a rebound from the post after Atletico's Filipe Luis had mis-kicked a clearance.
Atletico had a setback before kickoff as Sergio Aguero was not deemed fit to play by coach Quique Sanchez Flores.
Bayer began with some controlled, disciplined football in midfield and showed its attacking threat in the 22nd minute when Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal passed to Derdiyok who hit the side netting.
Derdiyok made no such mistake shortly before the break, though, while Tranquillo Barnetta tried his luck a powerful shot in the 41st minute, forcing a save from Atletico goalkeeper David De Gea.
Meanwhile Atletico's inability to attack was clear when Diego Costa tried to race forward but his pass to Jose Reyes only caught the former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder offside in the 44th minute.
However, Atletico improved in the second half after Sanchez Flores substituted Diego Forlan for Francisco Merida and Sabrosa scored in the 51st minute after Bayer defender Sami Hyypia had mistimed a tackle in the penalty area.
Bayer's goalkeeper Rene Adler tipped a dipping shot by Tomas Ujfalusi over the bar in the 57th minute and the Czech international followed up 10 minutes later with a pinpoint cross for Reyes, whose diving header went wide.
At the other end, De Gea saved a low shot by Patrick Helmes, who had come on as a substitute for Derdiyok.
''You can't give away 45 minutes like we did today,'' Portugal winger Sabrosa said. ''You have to come out looking for a result, right from the very start.''
