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."
