RB Leipzig staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, marking the first stalemate in their last nine encounters.
Die Roten Bullen started brightly, with Nordi Mukiele testing Peter Gulacsi from distance before Xavi Simons forced Lukas Hradecky into a save after Leipzig capitalized on a turnover high up the pitch.
Despite their early pressure, the hosts fell behind in the 19th minute. Moments after an altercation with Willi Orban, Florian Wirtz weaved his way into the box and struck a shot off the post, which fell kindly to Patrik Schick.
The forward calmly converted, notching his 13th goal in eight league starts.
Leipzig sought an equalizer, utilizing crosses into the box. However, Lois Openda’s header sailed just over the bar under pressure from Jonathan Tah.
At the other end, Wirtz created another opportunity, only for Gulacsi to produce a superb save, tipping the ball onto the post.
Leverkusen doubled their advantage through an unusual sequence. While David Raum was down injured, Leipzig conceded possession inside their own box, allowing Wirtz to set up Aleix Garcia, who slotted home his first Bundesliga goal.
Raum responded emphatically just five minutes later. His free-kick deflected off Piero Hincapié, ricocheted off the crossbar, bounced off the ground, and nestled into the net, reigniting hope for the hosts.
The full-back then showcased his defensive prowess, making a crucial goalline clearance to deny Exequiel Palacios, who had been introduced at halftime.
Leipzig suffered a setback when Kevin Kampl was forced off with an injury. Meanwhile, Antonio Nusa came close to extending Leverkusen’s lead but fired over the bar.
Leverkusen pushed for a third, with Palacios’ effort saved and Wirtz striking the post again. Hincapié also came close but misdirected Mukiele’s cross wide.
The visitors narrowly avoided conceding when Benjamin Sesko was thwarted by Hradecky after meeting Simons’ corner, and Jeremie Frimpong blasted the rebound over the bar.
However, Leverkusen’s resistance broke in the 85th minute. Edmond Tapsoba inadvertently headed Simons’ delicate free-kick into his own net, ending Leverkusen’s eight-game Bundesliga winning streak.
This result followed their midweek Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid.
While Leipzig remain winless in three league outings, this spirited comeback, coupled with their midweek European triumph over Sporting CP, could serve as a significant morale booster for the team.
