Werkself review #B04RBL: Run ends after 462 days

Summary: Leipzig turn round intense encounter

The game was eventful from the start. After some good efforts from the Black and Reds in the opening 15 minutes, the action on the pitch was marked by tough tackles and challenges. RBL coach Marco Rose was shown two yellow cards during this phase of the game for twice vocally contesting the referee's decisions. The Werkself took the lead through Jeremie Frimpong on 39 minutes and Alejandro Grimaldo doubled the lead on 45 minutes. But Leipzig's Kevin Kampl pulled a goal back before half-time. The visitors were full of confidence after scoring when they return to the pitch for the second half. And RB Leipzig were rewarded: First, Lois Openda was set up by teammate Benjamin Sesko to level at 2-2 (57'), and the Belgium international netted his second to turn the game round in favour of Leipzig (80'). Despite a massive effort, the Black and Reds were unable to find an equaliser. The match report is HERE.

Reaction: "We dozed off in one or two actions"

Head coach Xabi Alonso said after the game: "Congratulations to Marco and Leipzig on the win. We did a lot of things right in the first half but in the second half we didn't have enough control and Leipzig had too much space. The opposition shouldn’t be able to come back after being 2-0 down so we have to learn from our mistakes. But it was positive that we fought to the end again."

Jonathan Tah admitted on Sky: "We conceded the goals much too easily. We dozed off in one or two actions – then that happens." Asked about staying at Bayer 04, the key defender said: "I'm happy at Leverkusen and glad that the speculation has come to an end. I'm fully focused here and now I'm concentrating completely on our next matches and targets." Alonso added in relation to Tah: "Jona has a big influence on our team. He is a top player who helps a lot of people in the squad."

Jeremie Frimpong commented on the Leipzig match as follows: "Of course, it hurts. We lost in the end because Leipzig made better use of their chances than we did. We have to score goals and we'll work on that.”

What the papers say: "Run did not have to end"

The kicker assessed the first league defeat after 462 days as "unnecessary". The journal recognised that the Werkself were "initially on top" against RB Leipzig and that the run of 35 Bundesliga games unbeaten against Leipzig "didn't have to end as the champions dominated at first and deservedly led 2-0." But in the end, RB "caught out" Leverkusen according to kicker.

The Rheinische Post praised the "impressive fightback" from Leipzig. The RP also reported: "Whenever Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig meet it’s a cracker. This has almost become a basic rule of the Bundesliga." Five goals were scored in this fixture for the third time in succession.

The headline in the Bild was "Leipzig smash Alonso's run" And their report included comment on the dismissal of Rose. The RBL coach twice in short succession vocally questioned the decisions of Dr Matthis Jöllenbeck during a heated phase in the middle of the first half and the referee showed him two yellow cards.

Personnel: Grimaldo involved in goals in every game

European champion Alejandro Grimaldo has provided a great threat from the wing this season. After assists in all three matches to date, Grimaldo scored his first goal of the 2024/25 season against Leipzig. No less of a threat has come from playmaker Florian Wirtz this term. After his double against Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend (3-2) he provided the assist for the second goal against Leipzig – the Germany international has thereby been involved in eight goals in his last seven Bundesliga matches. Frimpong also registered his first goal involvement of the new campaign when he opened the scoring.

Stats: Werkself clearly on top

With 26 to 8 shots on goal, 62% possession, 18 corners to 2 and more completed passes (557 to 351) the Werkself clearly had their noses in front in terms of statistics. But all the attempts and efforts after going behind did not pay off.

Outlook: In Sinsheim after the international break

The Werkself now go into the first international break of the new season. A large number of Werkself players are involved in the first games in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League or the first qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Morocco. After the international break, the Werkself are away to TSG Hoffenheim on Bundesliga matchday three with the game at the PreZero Arena kicking off at 15.30 CEST on Saturday 14 September.