Bayer Leverkusen secured their second consecutive Bundesliga win as they beat RB Leipzig 3-1 on Saturday. The victory saw them move up to third place in the table and leave Leipzig in fourth.
The game was a closely contested affair from start to finish, with both teams creating chances throughout the match. However, it was Bayer Leverkusen who took the lead early on through a penalty awarded for a handball by RB Leipzig's Naby Keita. The German side were unable to find the back of the net again during the first half, but they came alive in the second period.
Wolfgang Lohmann, the Leverkusen manager, praised his players' resilience after conceding the goal. "We knew we would have to play better if we wanted to win this match," he said. "But we showed great character and determination."
RB Leipzig were able to equalize through a goal from the impressive Emil Forsberg, who had been instrumental in the team's recent success. But it wasn't enough to turn the game in their favor.
However, it was Bayern Leverkusen who emerged victorious in the end. With just over ten minutes remaining, Wirtz scored his second assist of the match, setting up Kevin Volland for a crucial goal that sealed the win for the hosts. It was a fitting way to continue their momentum after a strong performance against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the week.
The win means that Bayer Leverkusen now has a five-point lead over RB Leipzig going into the final round of fixtures. The pressure is certainly on for Leipzig to secure their spot in Europe next season, with every point potentially crucial.