Character test passed, but missed a liberating blow: Bayer Leverkusen did not answer the last two claps with a win. The team of coach Xabi Alonso did not get past a 2: 2 (1: 1) against the extremely conservative VfL Wolfsburg in a game with crazy twists and turns despite a clear superiority.
Moussa Diaby, who miserably missed a penalty (10′), gave Bayer the lead in the 17th minute. Wolfsburg equalized flatteringly in the 28th minute through Robert Andrich’s own goal and even took the lead through captain Maximilian Arnold (54′, penalty kick). Jeremie Frimpong (76th) saved Bayer at least one point. The wolves extended their mini-series to five competitive games without defeat. Leverkusen left the relegation zone at least until Sunday.
“We have to love defending,” Alonso had demanded after the 1: 5 at Eintracht Frankfurt – and called up seven players against the wolves, whose strengths lie more in the game against the ball. The hapless goalscorer Patrik Schick had to pass at short notice due to adductor problems.
Early in the game, Bayer was given the mega-chance to take the lead. Diaby dribbled to the baseline, his cross was parried by Micky van de Ven with his hand. The Bayer attacker stepped up himself – and shot well past the goal. Leverkusen stayed in front of 26,294 spectators, including national coach Hansi Flick.
Wolfsburg was initially tied only on the defensive. It wasn’t the only negative: the guests had treated themselves to an attack of ignorance and arrogance upon arrival. Several VfL team members had not worn a mouth and nose cover on the ICE, and players are said to have behaved disrespectfully towards the railway staff. In a statement, VfL spoke of “misconduct that is intolerable”. The club apologized and announced a review.
In the 17th minute, the Wolfsburg defense was no longer able to cope with Leverkusen’s move to the goal: Diaby played a simple one-two with Schick representative Adam Hlozek, ran alone towards Casteels and tunnelled the Belgian.
In the 28th minute, however, the fresh self-confidence of the Werkself was put to the test: Wolfsburg combined for the first time in a reasonably dangerous manner, but Ridle Baku’s cross would probably have meant nothing – if Andrich hadn’t cleared the ball into his own goal.
Wolfsburg humorlessly took advantage of the opponent’s uncertainty. Edmond Tapsoba fouled Felix Nmecha in the penalty area shortly after the break, Arnold converted dryly. Alonso became more and more emotional in his coaching zone. When Frimpong equalized, he celebrated exuberantly.
Bayer Leverkusen – VfL Wolfsburg: The voices of the game
Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen manager): “The result isn’t good. We’re not happy. But it was important that the team found order after conceding the second goal. We can build on that performance.”
Niko Kovac (VfL Wolfsburg coach): “All in all, we were 2-1 up and would have liked to have brought it home. I’m still happy with the point. It’s very difficult to score points in Leverkusen, even in the current situation.”
Bayer Leverkusen – VfL Wolfsburg: The data for the game
