RB Leipzig fight back to frustrate Bayer Leverkusen one more time
With Florian Wirtz running the show in Saxony, Bayer Leverkusen raced into a two-goal lead against Leipzig but the defending Bundesliga champions failed to hold on, as David Raum's deflected free kick and an Edmond Tapsoba own-goal had the home fans celebrating another comeback against the Werkself.
RB Leipzig 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Schick 18’, 0-2 García 36’ (assist: Wirtz), 1-2 Raum 41’, 2-2 Tapsoba o.g. 85’
The enounter at the Red Bull Arena promised to be a thrilling encounter. After all, these sides had played out a succession of 3-2 results in their three prior meetings. On Matchday 2, Xabi Alonso's men had led 2-0, only for Leipzig to force their way back to a victory that stunned last season's double winners. A not altogether different story would play out here.
Leverkusen's first-half dominance
The visitors started the match with intent, quickly asserting their dominance. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Schick found the net. Wirtz's creativity was on full display in the build-up, with the tricky No. 10 mesmersing the home defence before sending a shot against the base of the post, with Schick there to knock home the rebound.
Alonso's men sunsequently doubled their lead in the 36th minute through García, who calmly slotted home after another piece of magic from Wirtz. The young German international's influence on the game was undeniable as he pulled the strings in midfield and caused constant problems for the Leipzig backline.
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Leipzig's resilient response
Despite their travails, Leipzig showed tremendous character to fight back. Their efforts were rewarded just before halftime when Raum's free kick took a big deflection before flying in off the underside of the crossbar. That lifeline shifted the momentum of the match.
The second half saw Die Roten Bullen push for an equaliser, with Rose making tactical changes to increase pressure on Leverkusen's defence. A golden opportunity fell to Benjamin Šeško in the 71st minute, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Lukáš Hrádecký. The home side's persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute when an own goal by Edmond Tapsoba levelled the score, sending the Red Bull Arena into raptures.
Player of the Match: Florian Wirtz
Wirtz was undoubtedly the standout performer of the match. The young Leverkusen midfielder's influence was pivotal in both of his team's goals, showcasing his exceptional vision, dribbling skills, and creativity.
Wirtz's statistics were impressive, with the highest pass efficiency (+4.45) and the most challenges won (24) in the match. His ability to consistently threaten the Leipzig defence, creating numerous chances, underlined his importance to Leverkusen's attacking play. Wirtz's performance stood out as a masterclass in midfield creativity and impact, with the attacking master even hitting the woodwork three time in this game.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leipzig 0.83 - Leverkusen 2.42
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (B04), 36.01 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by David Raum (RBL), 7.79 percent
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (B04), 29 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Florian Wirtz (B04), +4.45
Fantasy Heroes: Florian Wirtz (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 364 Points), Nordi Mukiele (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 288 Points), David Raum (RB Leipzig, 336 Points)
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