In a very balanced game, Bayer Leverkusen had to count on the rival goalkeeper’s blatant failure to defeat Mainz, this Friday, 2-1. The result made the first placed team extend its advantage in the standings and reach 61 points in game that opened the 23rd round of the German Championship.
The difference to second-placed Bayern Munich, which enters the field this Saturday, is 11 points. Second-placed, Mainz remains with 15. In 23 clashes, the team won only two matches in the tournament.
The two teams return to the field for the competition next weekend. On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen visits Cologne. A day earlier, Mainz hosts Borussia Mönchengladbach in search of rehabilitation.
Buoyed by their lead, and by playing in front of their fans, Bayer Leverkusen opened the scoring after just two minutes. Swiss midfielder Xhaka had space to shoot from the edge of the area and hit a beautiful shot into goalkeeper Zentcher’s left corner.
The answer was not long in coming and was presented in kind. In a high-flying play, defender Khor stepped up to the mark and headed in style to leave everything tied: 1-1 after just seven minutes of play.
The indication that the duel would be played at an intense pace, however, stopped there. Mainz scored well and imposed difficulties on Bayer, who despite the greater volume of play, created few chances. In the best opportunity of the initial stage created by the home team, Grimaldo stopped the good performance of the goalkeeper.
The second half began and, surprisingly, Mainz came out on top. In ten minutes there were three clear chances to open the score, much to the despair of the fans who went to the Leverkusen Arena.
Bayer took a while to adjust, but little by little, they managed to find their feet on the field and started to press. Mainz retreated to rely on counterattacks. However, a mistake by goalkeeper Zentner ruined everything.
After exchanging passes, midfielder Andrich risked a mid-range shot high up and the goalkeeper missed badly. When trying to make the save, he was not firm in his move and let the ball slip through his hands: 2-1 Bayer in the 22nd minute.
Ahead of the scoreboard, Leverkusen started to play with the clock in their favor. Looking for a reaction at their rival’s home, Mainz got complicated when they lost Jessic Ngankam sent off for violent play.
With one more, the mission was made easier. Faced with a completely disorganized opponent, the home team simply touched the ball to confirm the triumph and three more points in the standings.