Nkunku comes – and falls
Domenico Tedesco reacted at the break and let Christopher Nkunku prepare for his assignment. And he only needed a few seconds on the pitch to cause a sensation: while dribbling in the penalty area, Leipzig’s best goalscorer of the current season went down after a light touch from Bayer defender Jonathan Tah and demanded a penalty kick.
But the sovereign referee, Daniel Siebert, left no doubt that he considered this demand to be completely excessive. In the situation described, Dominik Szoboslai’s shot on target failed moments later on the inside post.
Nevertheless, it was immediately clear: With Nkunku, a lot of power and creativity had come into play for the guests. Conversely, this also spurred on the actions of the home side, as Leipzig’s offensive game created new space for Leverkusen.
Leipzig with more train to goal – Nkunku strong as a bear
Although Moussa Diaby hit the outside netting of the Leipzig goal in the middle of the second half of the game, Nordi Mukiele had the greatest chance to date to make it 1-0 for RB in the 69th minute: his lob overcame Bayer goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký, but also went just over the goal of the hosts. A little later Szoboszlai executed from 14 meters with the right outside instep, Tah deflected untenable.
In the final phase, Gerardo Seoane brought everything he had in attacking power onto the field, but Leipzig saved the narrow victory over time.
Leverkusen in Fürth, Leipzig against Union
Leverkusen have to play in Fürth on the next matchday (Saturday, 3.30 p.m.), Leipzig play against Union Berlin (Saturday, 3.30 p.m.).
Source: jo herold