Miguel Gutiérrez inspires Bayer Leverkusen to a convincing win over RB Leipzig
Bayer Leverkusen found their rhythm against RB Leipzig on Matchday 4, beating them 2-0 at the BayArena with a confident attacking performance.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 RB Leipzig
Goals: 1-0 Schick 45‘ (assist: Gutiérrez), 2-0 Gutiérrez 57’
Leverkusen made one change from their previous league outing, with Patrik Schick returning to the starting line-up in place of Christian Kofane.
Leipzig, under head coach Martín Demichelis, made four changes, bringing in Ridle Baku, Maxime Estève, Christopher Nkunku and Rômulo.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute's silence for former Leverkusen player and coach Peter Hermann.
Watch: Peter Hermann honoured ahead of Leverkusen vs. Leipzig
Nkunku goal ruled out before Schick strikes
The opening period was cagey, with Neil El Aynaoui and Ezechiel Banzuzi testing Mark Flekken from distance for the visitors. In the 34th minute, Rômulo drove into the box and squared for Nkunku to tap home, but the goal was chalked off for offside following a VAR review.
Leverkusen responded before the break, however. In the 44th minute, Miguel Gutiérrez swung in a cross from the left which Schick converted with his outstretched right foot to make it 1-0 at half-time.
Gutiérrez doubles the lead
Leverkusen continued to press after the restart. In the 57th minute, Ibrahim Maza drove a low cross into the box which Baku could only half-clear, and the ball fell to Gutiérrez, who doubled the hosts' lead with a low, near-post finish.
Leipzig struggled to respond offensively, and Leverkusen continued to create chances through Maza and Schick, though Maarten Vandevoordt denied further additions.
Man of the Match: Miguel Gutiérrez
Miguel Gutiérrez was named Man of the Match after providing the assist for Schick's opener with a delightful cross before scoring the second goal himself with a low, near-post finish. He led all players in the fantasy manager ranking with 344 points, well clear of any other performer on the pitch, underlining his influence at both ends of the pitch.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayer Leverkusen 2.07 - RB Leipzig 0.78
Fastest player: David Raum (RB Leipzig), 35.3 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-0 by Miguel Gutiérrez (Bayer Leverkusen), 10 percent
Pass efficiency: Ezequiel Fernández (Bayer Leverkusen), +2.9
Fantasy Heroes: Miguel Gutiérrez (Bayer Leverkusen, 344 Points), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen, 270 Points), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen, 180 Points)
