Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Run Comes to a Halt
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, saw their remarkable 35-game unbeaten streak come to an end in a thrilling 3-2 defeat against RB Leipzig on Saturday. The loss marked Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga defeat since May 2023, snapping an impressive run that spanned over a year.
A Fast Start by Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen took control early in the match, quickly establishing a 2-0 lead. Jeremie Frimpong opened the scoring, followed by a well-placed goal from Alex Grimaldo. The home crowd at BayArena was buzzing, and it seemed like another routine victory for Xabi Alonso’s side. However, the match soon took a dramatic turn.
Leipzig’s Stunning Comeback
Just before halftime, RB Leipzig managed to pull one back against the run of play. Kevin Kampl found the back of the net, giving Leipzig hope as they headed into the break. In the second half, the momentum shifted further in Leipzig’s favor. Lois Openda, who was a constant threat throughout the match, scored the equalizer early in the second period, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Openda Seals the Win for Leipzig
With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Openda struck again, securing a stunning 3-2 victory for RB Leipzig. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Leverkusen, who had not lost in 43 domestic matches prior to this encounter. Captain Jonathan Tah expressed his frustration after the match, acknowledging that his team had opportunities to close out the game but failed to do so.
“We had the chance to finish the game, but the goals we conceded were far too easy,” said Tah. “We defend as a team, but we fell asleep a few times and of course we’re going to be punished.”
Xabi Alonso’s Reaction
Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, reflected on the loss with a mix of disappointment and determination. Despite the setback, Alonso praised his team’s effort and resilience throughout the match. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Leipzig, a team known for their aggressive and dynamic style of play.
“We knew it was going to be very hard to play here, Leverkusen play lethal football. We wanted to be courageous and get on the front foot,” said Kampl, highlighting the respect Leipzig had for their opponents.
Dortmund Held to a Draw at Bremen
Earlier in the day, Borussia Dortmund struggled to break down a resolute Werder Bremen defense, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Dortmund dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge needed to secure all three points. To make matters worse, they played the final 17 minutes with 10 men after Nico Schlotterbeck was sent off for a second yellow card.
Dortmund’s attacking options were limited, with summer signing Serhou Guirassy still weeks away from returning from a knee injury. The team’s lack of firepower was evident, as they failed to capitalize on several promising opportunities.
“Everything isn’t exactly great yet,” admitted Dortmund midfielder Pascal Gross. “The coach prepared us well but we need to do better at implementing it.”
Stuttgart’s Late Collapse
Stuttgart, who have struggled to hold onto leads this season, were once again left ruing missed opportunities after a 3-3 draw with Mainz. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead through goals from Enzo Millot and Jamie Leweling, Stuttgart allowed Mainz to claw their way back into the match. A stoppage-time equalizer from Mainz’s Maxim Leitsch ensured that Stuttgart’s search for their first win of the season continues.
Other Bundesliga Results
In other Bundesliga action, Eintracht Frankfurt secured a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim, with Hugo Ekitike playing a starring role. Borussia Moenchengladbach won 2-0 at Bochum, while newly-promoted Holstein Kiel are still looking for their first top-flight point after a 2-0 home loss to Wolfsburg.
Conclusion
The end of Bayer Leverkusen unbeaten streak serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. While Leverkusen remains a formidable force in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig’s victory will undoubtedly boost their confidence as the season progresses. For Leverkusen, this loss may serve as motivation to start a new unbeaten run and continue their pursuit of Bundesliga glory. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
