Leverkusen are a quality side (you do not watch BL?) and had plenty of opportunities... just failing to convert Hummels once again showing why he is one the best CB's in the world...manning his position at all times Bender and Gundo playing well in the middle....but Leverkusen able to slip through wings...Piszczek and Santana caught out of position couple of times... if Leverkusen continues to move a lot of players of forward...we will continue to get chances... two quicks slaps in the face really changed Bayer's game plan.... first goal was brilliant..great pass from Lewa and even better finish from Reus, who is having man of match performance... this game illustrates why Perisic left the club...every player on the pitch is asked to help out on defense.....and to work their socks off...
Damn that insurance penalty would have been nice, apart from all the obvious reasons, since our defence at the moment looks like it's going to need more than the one goal lead. We've been beaten to the ball along the backline for the last 15mins, Leverkusen were full value for that equaliser. Was hoping the quick reply would settle us down in our own half. Not by the looks of it.
Very similar game to Frankurt 3-3 earlier this season. Poor PKs from Kuba tbh, I'd like to see Lewa taking PKs. He would smash them (like he did against Fürth) instead of placing them to bottom corners.
big win difference was Lewandowski up front and Hummels in the back.... Lewy MOTM.....caused havoc all game.... 5 goals in 5 games... bring on Shakhtar already
Our defense was horrible. Leverkusen were finding gaps all the time. We looked comfortable defensively only in the last 20 min.
hmmm Kuba is not bad...Hummels has missed them...Sahin missed like 4 or 5 during our championship season couple seasons back.... I am pretty sure Gotze has missed a couple...
on a side note.. watched the game on ESPN UK...nice job the follow-up round review with Raphael Hoenigstein who is one few english speaking journos who knows his BL inside and out..was also well done...
Dude. The defense of Kuba is a bit strong. You could have just mentioned Sahin & that would have been enough. His serial choking from the spot is well-known. AFAIK, Hummels has missed one, two tops. And you're talking about a defender here. I will try to look up Mario's record if there is one. I think he's taken very few, if any. Anyhow, I don't think any less of Kuba for a missed penalty. Shit happens.
Very mature towards end to hang onto lead. Agreed on Lewa and Hummels as keys to this match. I'd add Reus too. He makes smart decisions when the ball needs to be kept in play and his workrate also understated.
I wonder what Kloppo and Manuel Friedrich were talking about on the pitch after yesterday's match? I wonder if it had anything to do with the fact Friedrich's contract expires after the season. Hmmmm..... #finishcareeratBVBgointocoaching
He is a good defender, good professional. Do we need him ? I dont know. In Klopp I trust. We have Sobiech, Guenter and Sarr who will give their best to make it at BVB plus Hummels, Subotic and Santana who are already in the first team. Santana was disappointing vs Leverkusen. Also, the midfield was overrun for large parts of the game. Guendogan must improve his tackling and positioning. His ability with the ball at his feet is undeniable but defensively needs to do better. Bender is coming back from an injury so he needs time to get better. A lot of credit must go to Leverkusen though. They played very well. Reinartz with 11 duels won and most passes completed and of course 2 goals. Him and Lewa were great.
Kicker Ratings Key: 1 – World Class 2 – Very Good 3 – Average/Decent 4 – Slightly Below Average 5 – Pretty Bad 6 – Completely Horrible NR – Not Rated ++++++++++++++++++++++ Bayer Leverkusen Leno (3.5) - Carvajal (2.5), Wollscheid (5), Toprak (3), Boenisch (3) - Reinartz (1.5) – L. Bender (3), Rolfes (3) - Castro (2.5), Schürrle (3.5) - Kiessling (2.5) Substitutes: 46th Min: Sam (2) for Rolfes 78th Min: Hegeler (NR) for Castro 86th Min: Milik (NR) for Reinartz Unused Roster Players: Rensing (GK), M. Friedrich, Schwaab, Hosogai Borussia Dortmund Langerak (2.5) - Piszczek (4), Felipe Santana (3.5), Hummels (2.5), Schmelzer (3.5) - S. Bender (3), Gündogan (3) - Blaszczykowski (4), M. Götze (2), Reus (2.5) - Lewandowski (1) Substitutes: 80. Grosskreutz (NR) for Blaszczykowski 90. Kehl (NR) for M. Götze 90. + 3 Schieber (NR) for Gündogan Unused Roster Players: Alomerovic (GK), Bittencourt, Leitner, Sahin Goals: 0-1: Reus (3rd Min/Assist: Lewandowski) 0-2: Kuba (9th Min/Penalty Conversion) 1-2: Reinartz (58th Min/Assist: Kiessling) 2-2: Reinartz (62nd Min/Assist: Boenisch) 2-3: Lewandowski (63rd Min/Assist: Götze) 70th Minute: Leverkusen Keeper Leno Stops Penalty Kick From BVB’s Kuba Shots On Goal: Bayer Leverkusen – 11 Borussia Dortmund – 4 Corners Won: Bayer Leverkusen – 10 Borussia Dortmund – 4 Match Rating – 1: A thrilling slugfest played at a high tempo and high level. Referee: Deniz Aytekin (1) – Very strong performance. Aytekin was correct on every important call. Ayteking made a superb decision to give the advantage instead of stopping action on the play leading to BVB’s match-winning goal. Man of the Match - Robert Lewandowski: One goal, one assist and earned two penalties. Robert Lewandowski was the most outstanding player in the weekend’s top match. Man of the Match Robert Lewandowski celebrates his match-winning goal.