Ekdal own goal ends winless run

Albin Ekdal’s first-half own goal proved decisive as Bayer Leverkusen ended a four-match Bundesliga winless run by beating Hamburg 1-0. Roger Schmidt’s men entered Sunday’s game six points adrift of the Champions League places but returned to winning ways in an entertaining encounter at the BayArena. After a bright start, Leverksuen broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Ekdal attempted to cut out a pass but only succeeded in turning the ball beyond the outstretched arms of Rene Adler. Leverkusen went close to adding a second before half-time, as Javier Hernandez hit the crossbar with a header.