Leverkusen reclaim top spot with 2-1 win over Wolfsburg

Bayer Leverkusen returned to the top of the Bundesliga table with a 2-1 away win over Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon.

Although Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 win over Werder Bremen on Friday knocked Leverkusen off the top spot, Xabi Alonso's men had the opportunity to return to the top spot immediately.

And, while Maximilian Arnold almost put the hosts ahead in the first few minutes, firing narrowly wide from distance after a mishit clearance by Luká Hrádeck, Leverkusen dominated the early stages and took the lead shortly before the half-hour mark.

Victor Boniface was heavily involved, holding the ball up well before finding Frimpong at the back post, and despite Pavao Pervan's best efforts, the Dutchman volleyed over the line.

That goal, however, seemed to inspire Wolfsburg, who responded well and went close on a couple of occasions through Tiago Tomás.

They had to wait for the equalizer, which came just before halftime, with Maxence Lacroix taking advantage of some pinball in the penalty area to fire home from close range.

There was a brief lull in play at the start of the second period as both teams sought to maintain their footing before charging for the lead.

Jonas Wind fired over the bar before Boniface did the same at the other end, but Leverkusen restored their lead in the 61st minute.

Frimpong provided on this occasion, getting to the byline well before playing a ball across the box in the direction of Alejandro Grimaldo.

There were plenty of bodies between the Spaniard and the goal, but Arnold got in the way and inadvertantly helped the effort fly past Pervan.

Unlike for the opener, Wolfsburg struggled to muster a strong response, and Leverkusen were able to see out the match relatively easily, despite two late Lovro Majer efforts.

SportsLigue