Bayer Leverkusen beat RB Leipzig 2-0 following tribute to Peter Hermann

Tribute to Peter Hermann

Before kickoff at the BayArena, both clubs observed a minute of silence for Peter Hermann, who died on Saturday at the age of 74 following an illness with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Hermann served Bayer Leverkusen across several decades as a player, assistant coach, and interim manager. Leverkusen supporters displayed a choreographic tribute with a banner stating that he was a faithful soul of football, while players from both sides wore black armbands. The stadium video screens displayed clips from Hermann's playing career prior to the start of the match. Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez made one change to the starting lineup that drew 2-2 against FC Augsburg, selecting Patrik Schick in place of Christian Kofane. Midfielder Ibrahim Maza returned to the matchday squad after missing the 2-0 Europa League victory against NK Celje due to illness.

First-half pressure and Schick's opener

RB Leipzig controlled possession during the opening stages, with Ezechiel Banzuzi forcing Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken into a save from a long-distance effort in the 10th minute. A minute later, Leipzig forward Antonio Nusa received a yellow card from referee Robert Schröder for simulation after falling in the penalty area under a challenge from Edmond Tapsoba. In the 15th minute, Tapsoba passed directly into touch after mistaking Martínez for a teammate due to the manager's all-black attire. Leipzig suffered an injury in the 26th minute when Brajan Gruda, recently selected by Jürgen Klopp for the Germany national team squad, left the pitch with a right abdominal muscle issue. Christopher Nkunku appeared to put Leipzig ahead in the 34th minute and celebrated with a balloon, but the video assistant referee disallowed the goal because Romulo was offside during the buildup. Leverkusen took the lead in the 44th minute when Schick slid onto a cross from Miguel Gutiérrez and placed a first-time right-footed strike into the net.

Gutiérrez seals the points

Leverkusen doubled their lead in the 57th minute through summer signing Gutiérrez, who recorded his first goal for the club. The sequence developed after Maza delivered a cross into the penalty area that Leipzig defender Willi Orbán allowed to pass through. Ridle Baku attempted to clear the danger but directed the ball straight to Gutiérrez near the edge of the penalty box. Gutiérrez took a left-footed strike that deflected off Baku's arm and slipped under Leipzig goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoordt into the net. The second goal reduced Leipzig's attacking pressure, while Leverkusen maintained defensive discipline to protect the two-goal margin across the remainder of the second half.

Table standings and Leipzig's away record

The 2-0 victory moves Bayer Leverkusen to seven points from four Bundesliga fixtures, placing them fifth in the table ahead of the three-week international break. RB Leipzig remain without an away point this season under manager Martín Demichelis, having lost both of their opening road matches in the league. Leipzig entered the fixture following a 4-1 defeat against Como in the UEFA Champions League. Demichelis also managed squad absences in Leverkusen, missing defender Castello Lukeba due to groin complaints, as well as Assan Ouédraogo and Marc Guiu.