Leverkusen under Alonso in crisis: 2-2 against Wolfsburg

Created: 10/22/2022, 3:20 p.m

A cue ball lies on the lawn.

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Bayer Leverkusen is not gaining momentum under the new coach either.

The defense is also a big concern against Wolfsburg.

Leverkusen – Crisis club Bayer Leverkusen missed the hoped-for liberation in the Bundesliga after the 2: 2 (1: 1) against VfL Wolfsburg.

In front of 26,294 spectators on Saturday, coach Xabi Alonso's team played well in attack at times and scored through Moussa Diaby (17') and Jeremie Frimpong (76').

Before the extremely important Champions League game on Wednesday (9 p.m.) at Atletico Madrid, Bayer once again revealed major weaknesses on the defensive with Robert Andrich’s own goal (28th) and Maximilian Arnold’s converted penalty kick (54th).

Leverkusen remain in 14th place with just nine points, two points behind Wolfsburg in 13th place.

The "intensive training week" praised by Alonso without a cup appearance had an effect, even if Bayer initially demonstrated their own insecurity: Diaby pushed a hand penalty well past the goal (11th).

A cross from the Frenchman had previously gone to the hand of the falling Micky van de Ven.

After that, however, the Alonso team showed a different face and moves that seemed almost forgotten.

Wolfsburg's keeper Koen Casteels first made a brilliant save against Frimpong (14').

Four minutes later the Belgian was powerless too.

After a perfect pass from Adam Hlozek, Diaby jumped at the chance and shot Casteels through the legs to make it 1-0.

"We have to get better in all areas," Alonso had demanded before the match.

At least the offensive looked promising even without the ailing Patrik Schick.

As with the 1: 5 debacle in Frankfurt, the defensive once again showed its well-known weaknesses and inattention.

A cross from Wolfsburg's Ridle Baku could not get the Bayer defense under control.

Andrich wanted to clarify, but shot past the powerless Lukas Hradecky into his own goal (28').

The Wolfsburg pros, who caused trouble on Friday when they arrived on the train, sometimes without masks, scored without a single shot on goal.

Ex-Bayer player Niko Kovac's guests had a better grip on the fast Bayer offensive players around Diaby after the break.

Then Leverkusen's defense helped again.

Edmond Tapsoba caught Felix Nmecha's foot in the penalty area.

Captain Arnold confidently converted the penalty due (54th).

Alonso brought fresh staff.

For a long time, his eleven played too awkwardly and without ideas against cleverly defending Wolfsburg.

An individual performance by Daley Sinkgraven, who had been substituted before, still ensured the point win: The Dutchman prevailed in the VfL penalty area, Frimpong converted his pass to the far post from close range to make it 2-2 (76th) - and at least gave Bayer some confidence for the game at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

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