Bayer Leverkusen overcame a relentless RB Leipzig side 3-2 in Saxony to ensure that they will be at the top of the Bundesliga table on matchday 19, regardless of Bayern Munich’s game in hand. However, it would be the hosts who would dominate the early proceedings, and they would make the most of their dominance with a sumptuous Xavi Simons effort after just seven minutes. Nevertheless, while the first half would see both sides create chances, a lack of clinical finishing would see the tie head into the break with Leipzig boasting a 1-0 lead.
Regardless, while the first half would be riddled with a lack of lethal finishing, the second would be the complete opposite. As the game entered the final stages, the tie would be evenly set at 2-2 after two goals from Nathan Tella and Jonathan Tah were sandwiched by a Loïs Openda strike. Nonetheless, as the clock ticked on, a match-winning goal seemed to get further and further away, until Piero Hincapié fired home a second consecutive 90th-minute winner for Leverkusen. A result that will hurt Leipzig, but for the Werkself, it could be the difference come May.
Leipzig’s inconsistencies will haunt them
Despite losing a number of key players in the summer, RB Leipzig were still considered to be one of the favourites for the Meisterschale at the start of the campaign. However, while they have been breathtaking at times this season, their inconsistent form will prevent them from lifting silverware at the end of the season.
A total of ten points have been dropped by Leipzig this season when they were undeniably the better side, meaning that, if they were able to gain the points they should have, they would currently be second in the Bundesliga table. While this is based on what ifs, this is the level Leipzig have to reach if they are to overcome Bayern Munich and Leverkusen over the course of a Bundesliga season.
With the quality that is undeniably coursing through the Leipzig side, it will undeniably frustrate Rose, and this game against Leverkusen was no different. With the number of chances created in the first half, they could have easily been two or three goals ahead before they allowed Xabi Alonso’s side to come back into the game in the second half. It is an issue that has plagued the club for many seasons now, and something has to change if they want to be crowned German champions in the future.
Leverkusen have the characteristics of champions
While Bayer Leverkusen have impressed all season, not one game has highlighted their title credentials more than their trip to Augsburg on matchday 17. As Die Werkself became more and more frustrated with the stubborn Augsburg rearguard, their patience and quality would be tested.
However, in the 94th minute, Exequiel Palacios fired the Werkself in front, scoring a goal that could prove pivotal come May, as Leverkusen proved that the pressure will not get to them. However, knowing another daunting trip was to follow, Xabi Alonso knew his side would be pushed to the limit once again by Leipzig.
Nevertheless, while individual mistakes and lapses of concentration once again looked to cost Xabi Alonso’s side, they kept fighting until the final whistle. Another late strike earned Die Werkself three hard-earned points when they never really appeared to have control of the game. It is the type of performance we have come accustomed to with Bayern Munich, and that is the best piece of praise one can offer this Leverkusen side, who have the characteristics of champions.
RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons problem
The arrival of Xavi Simons to RB Leipzig on loan from PSG in the summer saw eyes turn to Saxony in anticipation. After a phenomenal season at PSV Eindhoven, there was considerable expectation for Simons to be Marco Rose’s main man and fill the shoes left by Christopher Nkunku.
While he has not been able to replicate the Frenchman’s output in front of goal, with nine assists in all competitions, he has certainly been the main creative focal point for Leipzig. This was no different against Leverkusen, with the Dutchman producing yet another scintillating performance. After scoring a tremendous goal to give the hosts an early lead, he would later play a pivotal role in starting Leipzig’s counterattack for their second goal.
His unrivalled vision and composure, mixed with his dribbling ability and creativity, left Die Werkself mesmerised at times. However, with his loan set to expire in the summer, Leipzig are left with the difficult mission of replacing his excellence. It is unlikely that PSG will listen to offers, and if they do, whether Leipzig will be able to come out on top is hard to imagine. He will undoubtedly leave a large hole to fill in Leipzig’s attacking line.
GGFN | Will Shopland