Bayer Leverkusen delivered a commanding performance at the Red Bull Arena, overturning an early deficit to secure a convincing 3-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig.
The hosts struck first through X. Schlager in the 35th minute, capitalizing on their early momentum. However, Leverkusen’s response was swift and devastating. M. Terrier leveled the score just five minutes later in the 40th minute, before P. Schick completed the first-half turnaround in the 44th minute, sending the visitors into the break with a crucial advantage.
Leipzig emerged after halftime searching for an equalizer, but Leverkusen’s defensive organization held firm despite Arthur picking up a yellow card earlier in the match. The visitors controlled proceedings with 56.5% possession and demonstrated superior clinical finishing, reflected in their 3.17 expected goals compared to Leipzig’s 1.80.
Leipzig manager made tactical adjustments, introducing K. Nedeljkovic and Romulo Cardoso in the 70th minute, followed by T. Gomis in the 79th, desperately seeking a route back into the contest. Despite registering 19 shots with seven on target, the home side couldn’t breach Leverkusen’s defense, which made five crucial saves.
Leverkusen countered with their own personnel changes, withdrawing goalscorers Schick and Terrier in the 77th minute alongside N. Tella, and J. Hofmann earlier in the 57th minute. The substitutions maintained their defensive solidity while preserving their attacking threat.
The victory was emphatically sealed in the 90th minute when M. Culbreath added a third goal, capping a dominant away performance. Late bookings for A. Tape and Leipzig’s C. Lukeba punctuated a frustrating evening for the hosts.
With superior possession, eight corners to two, and eight shots on target, Leverkusen’s efficiency proved decisive, climbing the Bundesliga standings with a thoroughly deserved three points.
