Leverkusen remain clinical and composed to stun Leipzig
A game of particular importance regarding the Bundesliga’s European football places, Leverkusen hosted RB Leipzig. The hosts came into the game in scintillating form having been unbeaten in 12 competitive games.
However, the absence of starlet Florian Wirtz would be a cause for concern. Leipzig too find themselves hunting down the Champions League spots. Marco Rose’s only absentee for the game being the yellow card suspended David Raum after their 3-2 win over Augsburg last weekend.
Bayer’s Lukas Hradecký was a busy individual early on. The Finnish international’s goal under heavy bombardment as strikes from Gvardiol, Werner, and Szoboszlai rained in. It took some time for Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen to grow into the game – has Frimpong and Diaby avoided a misunderstanding, ‘Die Werkself’ could’ve found themselves ahead.
However, the absence of starlet Florian Wirtz would be a cause for concern. Leipzig too find themselves hunting down the Champions League spots. Marco Rose’s only absentee for the game being the yellow card suspended David Raum after their 3-2 win over Augsburg last weekend.
Szoboszlai was an apparent presence in most of Leipzig’s offensive output. Once more the Hungarian stung the palms of Hradecký. At the other end, a speculative Hincapie strike agonisingly pinged off Blaswich’s crossbar. Leverkusen would break the deadlock with their subsequent attack, however. Adam Hložek converted for 1-0 with a beautiful first-time finish from a precise Diaby pass. A hard-earned advantage for ‘Die Werkself’ heading into the dressing rooms.
Marco Rose had the luxury of introducing talisman Christopher Nkunku who retuned to fitness this evening. ‘Die Roten Bullen’ started to play with a bit of urgency, bossing possession, and chances right the way up through the 60-minute mark. The brilliance of shot-stopper Hradecký repelling everything Leipzig fired goalwards.
The proverbial kitchen sink throwing had long since begun approaching the final 10 minutes. Szoboszlai and Olmo the pair leading the charge. However, the immovable forces of Andrich, Kossounou, and Tah seemed programmed to clear every ball to safety. Leverkusen put a seal on the game in the 87th minute – Dominik Szoboszlai sent off for felling Frimpong in the box. Substitute Nadiem Amiri took the honours, squeezing the ball beyond Blaswich for a memorable win.