RB Leipzig 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen: Die Werkself surrender two-goal lead in draw with Die Roten Bullen
Bayer Leverkusen missed the chance to close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, squandering a two-goal lead to settle for a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig on Saturday. The result leaves Leverkusen six points behind Bayern, who sit on 48 points after a 2-1 win at Freiburg.
Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, came into the game looking to bounce back from a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier in the week. Despite a strong start, they couldn’t hold on for the victory, with Leipzig staging a determined comeback.
The match started brightly for Leverkusen, as Florian Wirtz continued his phenomenal season. In the 18th minute, Wirtz danced past three Leipzig defenders and hit the post, with Patrik Schick capitalizing on the rebound to put the visitors ahead.
Wirtz remained instrumental, nearly doubling the lead with a powerful strike that Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi tipped onto the post. The German international then turned provider, setting up Aleix Garcia for a simple tap-in in the 36th minute, making it 2-0.
"Today he (Wirtz) had four, five world-class moves," Alonso said during the post-match press conference. "It is a pleasure to see him play and help him."
Leipzig began their comeback just before halftime, with David Raum curling in a free kick to cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 41st minute. They continued to press in the second half, with Benjamin Sesko coming close in the 71st minute, only to be denied by Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
Leverkusen’s hopes of securing three points were dashed in the 85th minute when defender Edmond Tapsoba accidentally headed a Leipzig cross into his own net, leveling the match at 2-2.
Reflecting on the game, Alonso acknowledged the team’s failure to secure a decisive third goal.
"The result could be better as well as worse," Alonso said. "We had our chances to score a third goal. We could have killed off the game. It is a pity, but it is tough to come here after our game in Madrid. We need to keep going."
Leverkusen remain in second place on 42 points, while Leipzig hold steady in fourth. Up next for Leverkusen is a crucial Champions League clash at home against Sparta Prague, where they’ll aim to advance in the competition and regain momentum in their season.
SportsLigue