RB Leipzig celebrated a 2-0 victory against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on match day 12 of the Bundesliga and dealt the struggling Werkself the next blow.
Christopher Nkunku gave the surprising lead in a tough first half when he headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s free kick from around ten meters out (32′).
After the change of sides, Leverkusen in particular showed more offensive drive, but Leipzig scored the decisive goal through Timo Werner (83.)
Leverkusen keeps slipping
With the victory, Leipzig moved closer to the Champions League zone with 19 points and are unbeaten in nine competitive games.
Leverkusen, on the other hand, slipped to 16th place and is also looking for a coach Xabi Alonso further after the trend reversal in what has been a completely messed-up season so far.
Schick comeback – but no goals for Leverkusen
The comeback of Patrik Schick, who was recently absent due to adductor problems, could not avert the next Leverkusen bankruptcy, the Czech top striker came on after 65 minutes and provided a breath of fresh air, but overall Leverkusen were unlucky on the offensive.
Leipzig, on the other hand, had to after the long-term absence of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi (torn cruciate ligament) also without replacement keeper Janis Blaswich (calf problems). Örjan Nyland, who was signed just three weeks ago, was between the posts for him.
However, Nyland initially got just as little to do as his opposite number Lukas Hradecky in Leverkusen’s box. In front of almost 46,000 spectators, the teams started very cautiously and in a controlled manner, with neither side creating any great chances. Bayer keeper Hradecky only had to intervene for the first time in the 18th minute, catching the ball in front of Nkunku after a Werner crossed the ball in the penalty area.
Nkunku with the lead for Leipzig
The pace remained slow in the game, in which the teams largely neutralized each other. After a free-kick executed by Szoboszlai, Nkunku gave Leipzig the lead out of nowhere with a header.
RB then gradually gained the upper hand, but the Saxons rarely became really dangerous. There was little to see from Leverkusen offensively.
Leverkusen only after the break with offensive urge
After the break, David Raum shot straight to the finish, but did not pose any major problems for Hradecky (48′). Leipzig initially defended consistently, even if Leverkusen were now more offensive. Daley Sinkgraven’s attempt was parried by Nyland (61′), on the other side Hradecky prevented a higher deficit after a shot by Werner (63′).
Leipzig and Leverkusen initially in the Champions League
On the last matchday of the Champions League group stage, Leverkusen are challenged at home against Bruges (Tuesday, November 1st, 2022 at 6:45 p.m.). A day later things get serious for RB Leipzig away in Donetsk (6.45 p.m.).
On the 13th matchday of the Bundesliga, Leipzig has to beat TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Sinsheim (Saturday, November 5th, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.). A day later, Leverkusen welcomes Union Berlin (3:30 p.m.).