Bayer Leverkusen made it difficult for themselves but got back to winning ways as they came from behind to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1.
A busy first 20 minutes for referee Felix Brych as within six minutes Leverkusen were awarded a penalty after Eric Dina Ebimbé kicked Amine Adli on the follow-through of his clearance. However, Victor Boniface’s tame effort was saved by the returning Kevin Trapp. Then seven minutes later, Omar Marmoush won a penalty after being brought down by Robert Andrich, the Egyptian would then convert the penalty to give Frankfurt the lead.
However, Andrich would redeem himself as he finished off a well-worked passing move which he started to equalise for Leverkusen.
The second half saw the introduction of Florian Wirtz and with that Leverkusen’s attacking play greatly improved. The 21-year-old added much-needed creativity to Die Werkself as Leverkusen amassed 14 shots in the second half but still struggled to challenge Trapp. However, Trapp himself would gift Leverkusen their second goal as when Wirtz played a cross into the box Trapp decided to come for it but completely misjudged the decision and it allowed Boniface to score in an empty net.
A late blunder from Lukas Hradecky where a pass rebounded off of his own player and nearly went in was a heart-in-the-mouth moment for Leverkusen, but the defence was able to recover in time.
Although Leverkusen were the better side for much of the game, they made it difficult for themselves as their defending still seems nowhere near the levels of last season but they were able to keep Frankfurt’s striking duo quiet.. While attacking-wise, this game also showed their heavy reliance on Wirtz, which is all well and good but if the 21-year-old gets a serious injury, they will likely be stumped when it comes to attack.
For Frankfurt, this was a much tamer performance compared to their last game in the Bundesliga, a 3-3 draw with Bayern Munich. Omar Marmoush added to his goal tally with his early penalty but apart from flashes in the first half, the Egyptian was quiet, the same can be said for his strike partner Hugo Ekitké, the Frenchman had a goal ruled out for an obvious offside in the first half but away from that it was also a rather quiet afternoon for him.
On top of this, questions will likely be asked of if it is time for Kaua to be given more chances as Trapp did not prove to be the most reliable keeper away from his early penalty save.
Leverkusen’s next game is against Brest in the Champions League, while Frankfurt host RFS of Latvia in the Europa League.
Bayer Leverkusen XI:
Lukas Hradecky (5), Edmond Tapsoba (6), Jonathan Tah (6), Piero Hincapié (6), Jeremie Frimpong (5), Granit Xhaka (6), Robert Andrich (7), Alejandro Grimaldo (6), Martin Terrier (6), Amine Adli (5), Victor Boniface (6)
Others: Aleix Garcia (5), Florian Wirtz (7), Nathan Tella (-), Patrik Schick (-)
Eintracht Frankfurt XI:
Kevin Trapp (4), Rasmus Kristensen (5), Robin Koch (6), Arthur Theate (6), Niels Nkounkou (6), Eric Dina Ebimbé (6), Tuta (6), Hugo Larsson (5), Mario Götze (5), Omar Marmoush (6), Hugo Ekitiké (5)
Others: Fares Chaïbi (5), Jean Bahoya (5), Mahmoud Dahoud (5), Ellyes Skhiri (5), Can Uzun (-)
GGFN Man of the Match: Robert Andrich & Florian Wirtz (7)
Although Florian Wirtz was the star of the second half, Robert Andrich was key in Leverkusen’s turnaround in the first half. Yes he did give away a penalty but away from that the 30-year-old won plenty of his tackles and duels but was also important in the attack. Andrich won the ball and then started the passing move, which ended with him slotting the ball past Trapp.
When Wirtz came on, the 21-year-old took control of the game and was immediately influential for Leverkusen. Wirtz is clearly a step up to Amine Adli, Jonas Hofmann and Martin Terrier but the Frenchman did put in a good account for himself this afternoon before being subbed off.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
