Status: 31.08.2024 20:33
Bayer 04 Leverkusen remained undefeated for over a year and 35 Bundesliga games. Even against Leipzig, after a 2-0 lead, it didn’t look like the streak was going to end. But things turned out differently.
RB Leipzig turned the game around on Saturday (31.08.2024) with goals from Kevin Kampl (45th+7) and Lois Openda (57th, 80th) and created an almost historic moment. Leverkusen had started strongly and deservedly led after goals from Jeremie Frimpong (39th) and Alex Grimaldo (45th). Coach Marco Rose (26th) also had to go to the stands early on with a second yellow card. But that didn’t stop Leipzig. For the first time since the 0-3 defeat at VfL Bochum on May 27th, 2023, Leverkusen had to admit defeat in the league.
Leverkusen quickly takes command
Not only in terms of their line-up, but also in terms of their match plan, Leipzig approached the match in a way that mirrored Leverkusen’s game. The guests attacked the build-up play from the Bayer penalty area and waited for counter-attacks. However, the German champions repeatedly managed to escape this pressure and quickly took control.
Alonso’s team created chances through quick passing and strong set pieces from Alex Grimaldo and Aleix Garcia. Edmond Tapsoba’s completely free header was saved by Peter Gulcasi (6th minute), and Piero Hincapie (10th minute) headed a corner kick onto the crossbar. Victor Boniface followed up by hitting the onrushing Amadou Haidara on the head with an overhead kick attempt. Leipzig’s midfielder had to be substituted after a short treatment session, and Boniface was given a yellow card.
Yellow-red looks too energetic rose
In the brief confusion in Leipzig, Granit Xhaka (15th) had the next opportunity, but his shot narrowly missed. The game became more intense, and the duels became tough. When Jonathan Tah rushed into Openda and hit the ball, RB coach Marco Rose lost his composure. In the ensuing argument with the referees, Rose received two yellow cards and was sent to the stands (26th).
From there, he saw his team’s first good attack a little later, but Benjamin Sesko, under pressure from Edmond Tapsoba, headed the ball wide of the goal (32′). After that, Leverkusen were on the attack again and finally took the lead with help from Leipzig. Lukas Klostermann produced a header that ricocheted in the penalty area. Frimpong sprinted towards the ball, rounded the onrushing Klostermann with a wobble and, stumbling, pushed the ball past Peter Gulacsi into the goal.
Kampl header brings Leipzig back
Now the champions were finally on their way. Within a few minutes, Gulacsi had to reach in and then behind him several times. Youngster El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who replaced the suspended Willi Orban, slid past a Xhaka pass. The ball then went quickly via Terrier and Wirtz to Grimaldo, who only had to push it in from five meters. In stoppage time, Bayer could have scored again and forced the preliminary decision – but instead Leipzig came back into the game. Kampl was completely free in the box when Henrichs crossed and brought the visitors back into the game with his header.
In the second half, Leipzig only had to survive a few minutes and then came into the game better and better. A goal was initially disallowed for offside (52nd minute), but then Openda’s time came. The Belgian escaped down the right wing and pushed the ball from a very tight angle through the legs of Hradecky’s replacement Matej Kovar into the goal to make it 2-2.
Openda for the second time for Leipzig
Leverkusen now began to falter. They lacked control in midfield, Leipzig occupied the offensive positions faster and better and repeatedly embarrassed the champions. The logical consequence: another goal. This time Openda came one-on-one with Tapsoba on the left and actually scored with a shot through the defender’s legs to make it 3-2.
But there was still enough time for Leverkusen’s comeback qualities. And Bayer turned things up again. Wirtz forced Gulacsi to make a strong save (84th minute). Shortly afterwards, referee Matthias Jöllenbeck checked what appeared to be a punch by Lukeba in the face of substitute Patrik Schick. But there was no penalty. So Leipzig survived the seven minutes of stoppage time, won away for the first time in the Bundesliga after being 2-0 down – and ended Leverkusen’s monster run.
Leverkusen in Hoffenheim, Leipzig against Union
Bayer Leverkusen will travel to Hoffenheim on the next matchday (14 September, 3.30 p.m.), while RB Leipzig will host Union Berlin at their home stadium (14 September, 3.30 p.m.).
