Wirtz’s Brilliance Wasn’t Enough: Bayer Leverkusen’s Draw with Leipzig
Bayer Leverkusen was held to a 2-2 draw by RB Leipzig, despite a masterclass performance from Florian Wirtz. The young German midfielder was at the heart of everything good for Leverkusen, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure all three points.
The match started with Wirtz showcasing his incredible talent, weaving through the Leipzig defense and hitting the post with a precise shot. Fortunately for Leverkusen, Patrik Schick was there to tap in the rebound, giving the visitors an early lead. Schick’s muted celebration reflected the understanding that Wirtz was the architect of the goal.
Wirtz continued to shine, setting up Aleix García after winning the ball in Leipzig’s penalty area. Later, his exquisite pass created a golden opportunity for Exequiel Palacios, who rounded the goalkeeper but saw his shot cleared off the line by a defender.
Despite Wirtz’s brilliance, Leipzig capitalized on their luck. A free-kick from Dani Olmo took a deflection off the wall and looped over the goalkeeper, hitting the crossbar before going in. Then, in the dying moments of the game, Edmond Tapsoba scored an unfortunate own goal, heading the ball past his own keeper after a physical battle in the box.
The 2-2 draw leaves Bayer Leverkusen six points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table.
2024-25, Germany - Bundesliga
RB Leipzig - Bayer 04 2:2 (1:2)
Goals: Schick, 18 (0:1); Aleix Garcia, 36 (0:2); Raum D., 41 (1:2); Tapsoba E., 84 (own goal) (2:2)
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi; Orban W.; Bitshiabu; Klostermann (Baumgartner, 67); Vermeeren (Haidara A., 51); Simons Xavi; Raum D.; Kampl (Seiwald N., 51); Nusa (Baku R., 67); Openda (Poulsen Y., 74); Sesko
Bench: Vandevoordt; Geertruida; Elmas; Gabel V.
Yellow Cards: Simons Xavi 79; Baumgartner 88
Bayer 04: Hradecky; Hincapie; Tah J.; Tapsoba E.; Arthur Soares (Frimpong J., 65); Mukiele; Andrich (Palacios Ex., 46); Wirtz; Aleix Garcia; Xhaka; Schick (Tella, 66)
Bench: Kovar M.; Lomb; Grimaldo; Hofmann; Boniface; Onyeka F-I.
Yellow Cards: Andrich 40; Tapsoba E. 42
