Leverkusen beat Leipzig as Schick and Gutierrez strike

Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig at the BayArena on Sunday, combining a disciplined defensive performance with clinical finishing to claim three valuable Bundesliga points.

Leipzig made the more promising start and created the clearer opportunities during the opening period. Neil El Aynaoui tested Mark Flekken with a powerful free-kick, but the Leverkusen goalkeeper made an excellent save. Flekken was called into action again soon afterwards, reacting sharply to keep out Ezechiel Banzuzi’s effort from distance.

The visitors appeared to have taken the lead in the 35th minute when Christopher Nkunku completed a swift attacking move. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review showed Romulo had been offside earlier in the build-up.

Leverkusen took advantage just before half-time. Miguel Gutierrez sent a threatening cross into the area, and Patrik Schick moved ahead of the Leipzig defence to slide the ball past Maarten Vandevoordt.

The goal extended Schick’s impressive start to the campaign, with the Czech Republic striker scoring in each of his first four league appearances.

Gutierrez doubled the hosts’ advantage 12 minutes into the second half. Leipzig failed to clear the ball effectively, allowing the Spanish left-back to collect possession outside the box before sending a low shot into the bottom corner.

Schick was given an opportunity to add a third shortly afterwards, but his effort went straight at Vandevoordt. The forward was later substituted, although Leverkusen maintained control as Leipzig searched for a way back into the match.

Flekken highlighted the home side’s work when they did not have possession after the final whistle.

“Defensively, we did exactly what we set out to do,” the goalkeeper told DAZN. “The counter-pressing was good, we drew good fouls. We were very good defensively. It all came together.”

Schick believed he might have contributed even more in front of goal.

“I could have scored two or three more goals,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the international break is on its way.”

The result lifted Leverkusen into fifth place in the Bundesliga. Leipzig were left to reflect on a lively opening that produced chances but no goals, with their early pressure ultimately undone by Leverkusen’s efficiency.

Leverkusen now face a three-week break, during which several members of the squad will join their national teams. Their next Bundesliga fixture will be away at Mainz on Saturday, 10 October.