Bayer Leverkusen re-enter top four with huge win vs Leipzig

Bayer Leverkusen headed into the game needing a win to move back into the top four. Leipzig, however, needed all three points to remain in second.

Leverkusen were the ones who started the tie better with Patrick Schick applying pressure as he got on the end of a ball from Jonas Hofmann but Gulacsi was out quick for Leipzig to smother the ball. 

During the 24th minute, Schick had another chance but he headed the ball wide from the cross.

In the 32nd minute, Mark Flekken denied a header from Leipzig skipper Willi Orbán.

After 35 minutes, Leizpig managed to break the deadlock against the run of play as Xaver Schlager struck a tremendous strike into the bottom left from outside the box.

Despite this, Leverkusen responded quickly with Arthur swinging in a cross which Martin Terrier headed home to make it 1-1 - his second goal in two for Bayer 04.

Four minutes later, Leverkusen continued to reap the rewards of a great first half as Patrick Schick chopped inside to finish into the right of the goal thanks to a cut-throat pass from Nathan Tella.

Just before the break, Nathan Tella found himself one-on-one with Gulacsi but the attempt was stopped by the Leipzig keeper's left arm.

Leverkusen's first chance of the second half came from Alex Garcia who tested Gulacsi but to no avail.

Leipzig's young attacker Conrad Harder had a golden opportunity to level the game with his weaker foot in the 55th minute but could not take it.

After this, Jonas Hofmann was brought off for Ezequiel Fernández in the 57th minute.

During the 79th minute, Timo Werner came on for only his fourth appearance this season.

Hunting for an equaliser and his second of the game, Xaver Schlager dribbled himself neatly into the box to create a chance but Flekken saved the shot easily.

Aiming to hold onto the lead, Leverkusen brought on Vasquez for both attacking threat via crosses and defensive stability.

With minutes left, Ezequiel Fernandez had his shot blocked for a corner which prevented undoubtedly a game sealing goal for Leverkusen.

Lastly, youngster Montrell Culbreath netted a goal from a fast counter attack due to a David Raum misplaced ball. 

A VAR check due to a handball earlier on in Leverkusen's box was quickly overturned, meaning Culbreath's first ever Bundesliga goal stood and the game finished 3-1 to the away side.

This result means Bayer Leverkusen end Leipzig's unbeaten home record this season and overtake them in third in the table.