Football Bundesliga
Klopp doesn’t bring Leipzig any luck – Leverkusen jumps to third place
Jürgen Klopp sees a fast-paced game in Leipzig, but also RB’s first home defeat. To make matters worse, a former Leipzig player turns the game for Leverkusen.
RB Leipzig suffered their first home defeat in the presence of Jürgen Klopp. Despite taking the lead, they suffered a 1:3 (1:2) defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in their last home game of the year. As a result, the Saxons fell from second place in the Bundesliga table to fourth place behind the Rhinelanders, who are now tied on points.
In front of 46,053 spectators, Xaver Schlager (35th minute) gave Leipzig the lead. Martin Terrier (40th) equalized before ex-Leipzig player Patrik Schick (44th) turned the game around in the first half. Montrell Culbreath made everything clear for Leverkusen in stoppage time (90+7).
Klopp and Mintzlaff in the stands together for the first time
Under close observation by global football boss Klopp and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, who were sitting in the stands together for the first time at an RB home game, Ole Werner started the recovered Romulo from the start and even lined up Conrad Harder alongside him. After the many injury absences and being left out for the Africa Cup with the recently outstanding Yan Diomande, Tidiam Gomis celebrated his starting eleven debut on the right.
Bayer coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was also struggling with personnel, changed to five positions after the 2-0 win against Cologne. However, Christian Kofane, who will only travel to his Cameroon team after the game, initially took a seat on the bench. Ex-Leipzig player Patrik Schick was allowed to start in attack for him.
Both goalkeepers prevent an early deficit
The players were up to speed right from the start. Peter Gulacsi prevented the early deficit against ex-colleague Schick (5th), who was suddenly free. Then Harder (6th) tested Bayer keeper Mark Flekken on the other side with a long-range shot from 18 meters. After a dream pass from Romulo, Christoph Baumgartner (10th) slid into the ball, but he didn’t hit the goal. Gomis (18th) had the best chance to take the lead from twelve meters on the left in a 3-2 majority situation, but his ball was blocked. It was the expected offensive exchange of blows between both teams, who scored 19 goals in the last four duels.
Ex-Leipziger Schick turns game
After a free kick, Willi Orban (32′) volleyed the ball right at the far post, but Flecken was there again. Then the Bayer goalkeeper was powerless. Schlager flicked a ball from 16 meters past two defenders into the left corner to take the lead. The reaction from the guests followed quickly: Terrier headed into the far corner from an Arthur cross at full speed. Then former RB professional Schick (44th) turned the game around. First he danced past the young Kosta Nedeljkovic and then circled the ball directly into the corner.
After the substitution, Harder (53′) had the opportunity to equalize in front of Flekken, but the visiting goalkeeper reacted brilliantly again. RB invested a lot, pushed Bayer deep into their own half, but the Saxons were too hasty in finishing. Often only centimeters were missing, as was the case after a wide cross when Harder (62nd) only hit the side netting at the far post. Despite the failures, Leverkusen shone with a good playing system and well-executed attacks.
The Bayer attack was more effective in the end, even if substitute Kofane missed the preliminary decision (90th + 3). Culbreath then made sure of that with a counterattack. When the goal was created, Leipzig had previously asked for a hand penalty – without success.
Timo Werner’s last appearance?
Timo Werner was back in the RB squad like he was last in the Union game. In the 79th minute he was substituted on to great applause from the fans and shouts of “Timo Werner”. Previously, the former national striker had pulled his face deep into his tube scarf in temperatures of nine degrees and heated seats. The club’s 29-year-old record goalscorer still has a contract until next summer. But a change in winter is possible. According to media reports, the San José Earthquakes are said to have signaled interest.
DPA
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