Werkself review #RBLB04: ‘Still carry on with a positive feeling’

Summary: Chances to score winner

The match in Saxony witnessed an evenly balanced start with little action – until minute 19 when Florian Wirtz showed his individual quality as he beat several opponents with an impressive solo run. His shot at the end from a tight angle hit the post but Patrik Schick converted the rebound to make it 1-0. And Wirtz played a big part in doubling the lead with the Germany international setting up Aleix Garcia. The Leipzig team refused to give up and the game took off before half-time with a spectacular goal from a free kick taken by David Raum at 2-1. And the hosts also had the upper hand in the second half. However, the Black and Reds had several promising chances on the break – with Exequiel Palacioss going close with Raum clearing off the line (48’) and Wirtz hit the woodwork again (64’). A late own goal from Edmond Tapsoba following a free kick taken by Xavi Simons secured the final score of 2-2 (85’). The match report.

Reaction: "Should have sealed the win"

Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes assessed the draw as follows: "It was an intense match with lots of challenges and a lot of tight situations. We did well overall but we should have scored the third goal after half-time."

Head coach Xabi Alonso said: "We could have had a better result but also a worse one. We had enough chances to score the third goal. So it's a little unlucky but we'll carry on."

Goalscorer Schick also saw the end of the game as "unlucky" and he added: "We gave it away in the second half and missed chances up front." The Czechia international did admit: "They played well at the end and earned themselves a point."

That view was shared by teammate Jonathan Tah: "We can't compare this game with the match against Atletico Madrid as we remained calmer at the end in spite of the own goal. Of course, we should have sealed the win. Nevertheless, we feel positive after the game. We've picked up a point and there are lots more points up for grabs this season.”

Personnel: Schick second highest scorer in top five leagues since November

For defender Nordi Mukiele it was a return to his old stomping ground – the Frenchman played 100 games for RB Leipzig from 2018 to 2022. The opening goal for Schick was his thirteenth goal in his last nine league games with only Newcastle United's Alexander Isak scoring more (15) in the top five leagues in Europe since November. Wirtz now has nine assists in the Bundesliga this term and has drawn level with Omar Marmoush as the best provider in the league.

Robert Andrich picked up a fifth yellow card on 36 minutes with his foul on Nusa ahead of the goal conceded. That means the midfielder will be suspended for the coming home game against TSG Hoffenheim on Bundesliga Matchday 20.

What the papers say: "Wonder man Wirtz unstoppable!"

....that is the view of Bild-Zeitung on the assist from the number 10 at 1-0. The kicker reports: "Wirtz hits the woodwork three times – Bayer give away a 2-0 lead." The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger sums up proceedings as follows: "The Leverkusen attacking game was fast, direct and efficient in the first half. The Werkself did not penetrate the Leipzig penalty area often but were clinical when they did. However, as in the game against Atletico, Bayer 04 were hectic in the closing stages at Leipzig. Losing possession in their own half was the result (…). The few counter-attacks that reached deep into the Leipzig half were not efficiently completed."

Stats: More shots on goal, less possession

Leipzig had the edge in possession in the end with 65%. The pass completion from the Saxony team was 89%, somewhat more than Bayer 04 with 78%. The Werkself did win 60% of all challenges. In addition, Wirtz and Co. had 13 shots on goal. And: For the first time since March 2021 (Robert Lewandowski against Werder Bremen) Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz hit the opposition woodwork three times in a Bundesliga match.

Outlook: Two home games coming up

The Werkself have two home games this week: Hradecky and Co. play Sparta Prague in the last matchday in the league phase of the Champions League (a few tickets still available) on Wednesday, 29 January (kick-off: 21.00 CET). That is followed four days later by the visit of TSG Hoffenheim to the BayArena on Sunday, 2 February. The fixture on Bundesliga Matchday 20 kicks off at 17.30 CET.