In Leverkusen, the invincible conqueror Leipzig showed that the team is a force to be reckoned with this season. The coach should work on his self-control.
Leverkusen/Leipzig.
Lois Openda took a selfie of victory on the pitch of the no longer invincible Bayer Leverkusen, Xavi Simons wanted to hug the whole world. “That’s more than three points,” said the RB Leipzig playmaker after the 3:2 win against the champions and cup winners. “I’m so proud of the team, but we can’t rest now. Let’s keep going.”
They could now have the words “Invincible Conqueror” printed on their T-shirts in Leipzig, after all they gave the double winners back an almost forgotten feeling after 35 match days in the Bundesliga. Openda could be celebrated as a match winner with his two goals – thanks to the support of Bayer goalkeeper Matej Kovar – but that would undermine the strong team performance.
Kampl praises the strength of will
Coach Marco Rose surprisingly switched to a three-man defense with 19-year-old El Chadaille Bitshiabu as the central defender when the opposition had the ball. That rarely worked in the first half, and Leverkusen only led 2-0. “There were also situations that we were very lucky to survive,” said sports director Rouven Schröder diplomatically. And then added the decisive sentence: “Nevertheless, it was clear to us that we could strike – that’s what kept us alive.”
Xavi Simons (M) celebrates with Christoph Baumgartner (r) and Arthur Vermeeren after the final whistle. Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa
Xavi Simons (M) celebrates with Christoph Baumgartner (r) and Arthur Vermeeren after the final whistle. Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa
Kevin Kampl’s goal in injury time in the first half can be seen as the turning point. In a positive sense, especially for Leipzig’s psyche. “We believed we could turn the 0-2 deficit around. The fact that it worked is down to great determination,” said the goalscorer. “We knew it would be extremely difficult to win here. Because what Leverkusen is playing is extraordinary.”
“Incredible potential”
Leverkusen was particularly exceptional in wasting chances, and the new Leipzig defense without the suspended captain Willi Orban became more confident and better with every minute. Ultimately, the success was actually worth more than three points: playing in a top game without the defensive leader, being 2-0 down against an overwhelming opponent, losing coach Marco Rose to a second yellow card after half an hour – and still coming out on top in the end.
The decision: Lois Openda’s (l) shot hits the Bayer goal to make it 3-2. Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa
The decision: Lois Openda’s (l) shot hits the Bayer goal to make it 3-2. Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa
The team can draw on this for the next few weeks. And unlike in previous seasons, the team is in a great position with six points after two match days and is not chasing its own ambitions. “That just gives us a good feeling, especially for the many new and young players. It is also a sign: we have to believe in ourselves because we have incredible potential,” said Schröder.
Rose promises improvement
Not only potential, but also a certain maturity. This was particularly evident in the final phase, which was defended with the utmost composure. One would also wish that coach Rose would be more level-headed. The 47-year-old had already received a yellow card after complaining about a harmless foul on Openda, but he just didn’t stop complaining. Now Rose will have to watch the next game against Union Berlin (September 14) from the stands.
Leipzig coach Marco Rose is sent to the stands by referee Matthias Jöllenbeck. Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa
Leipzig coach Marco Rose is sent to the stands by referee Matthias Jöllenbeck. Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa
“Some people might say that Rose is incorrigible. But I also say that I haven’t hit anyone or anything,” Rose said on ZDF. Nevertheless, he saw the decision as the right one: “That is definitely on me.” The coach promised to improve – not for the first time. Last season, Rose had already been forced to sit out in Heidenheim after receiving four yellow cards. He will have to be judged by his words. (dpa)
