Bayer Leverkusen looked to continue their unbeaten run this season as they travelled to one of the surprise teams this season in Heidenheim.
In the first half, Leverkusen struggled to break down Heidenheim and never really had a clear chance at goal. While at the other end, it was a sound defensive performance from Leverkusen. Then just before halftime, Leverkusen had their first shot on target, and unlike Bayern, scored when Jeremie Frimpong converted an Amine Adli cutback.
The second half proved much of the same as the first with Leverkusen dominating and they finally seemed to secure the win in the 81st minute when Amine Adli rounded Heidenheim’s goalkeeper to double Leverkusen’s lead. Heidenheim would get one back six minutes later but they were unable to mount a comeback.
A tough game for Leverkusen but they got the job done and this sees them extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points with Bayern Munich set to face Bochum tomorrow.
Heidenheim:
Florian Müller – 5
Omar Traoré – 6
Patrick Mainka – 5
Benedikt Gimber – 5
Jonas Föhrenbach – 5
Jan Schöppner – 5
Lennard Maloney – 5
Eren Dinkci – 5
Adrian Beck – 5
Jan-Niklas Beste – 5
Tim Kleindienst – 6
Others: Nikola Dovedan (6), Kevin Sessa (5), Marnon-Thomas Busch (5), Florian Pick (5)< Marvin Pieringer (-)
Bayer Leverkusen:
Lukas Hradecky – 7 – Although Leverkusen were in control throughout, when the Fin was called upon he made some key saves to keep out Heidenheim.
Josip Stanisic – 6
Jonathan Tah – 6
Piero Hincapié – 6
Jeremie Frimpong – 7 – Was one of Leverkusen’s most vibrant players in the game. His goal was a Leverkusen trade mark as he met the ball at the back post. In 21 games this season, the right-back is on seven goals and six assists.
Robert Andrich – 6
Granit Xhaka – 6
Alejandro Grimaldo – 6
Florian Wirtz – 6
Patrick Schick – 5
Amine Adli – 7 – After a quiet first half of the season mainly halted by injury, Adli has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in form and will be a crucial player for Leverkusen heading into the latter end of the season.
Others: Borja Iglesias (5), Jonas Hofmann (-), Nathan Tella (-), Edmond Tapsoba (-)
GGFN | Jack Meenan
