Bayer Leverkusen secure comeback victory against Wolfsburg in nine-goal thriller
Alejandro Grimaldo scored a brace as Kasper Hjulmand's charges scored five unanswered goals to earn a vital win against Dieter Hecking's relegation-threatened Wolves, keeping Die Werkself's European dreams alive.
Bayer Leverkusen 6-3 Wolfsburg
Goals: 1-0 Wind 16’ (assist: Koulierakis), 1-1 Grimaldo 30’ (pen), 1-2 Mæhle 31’, 1-3 Eriksen 38’ (pen), 2-3 Grimaldo 44’ (assist: Fernández), 3-3 Schick 53’ (pen), 4-3 Tapsoba 68’, 5-3 Maza 73’ (assist: Palacios), 6-3 Tillman 90’6 (assist: Poku)
Bayer Leverkusen hosted Wolfsburg at the BayArena with both sides desperate for points for very different reasons. The hosts were chasing UEFA Champions League qualification, sitting four points outside the top four after a disappointing run of just two wins from their previous six league matches.
Wolfsburg, meanwhile, arrived deep in relegation trouble under returning coach Dieter Hecking, without a Bundesliga win since January and facing the prospect of a first-ever relegation from the top flight.
First-half drama
The visitors stunned the BayArena when Jonas Wind fired them into a 16th-minute lead, controlling Konstantinos Koulierakis' headed clearance before placing a clinical finish past Mark Flekken.
Leverkusen responded through Alejandro Grimaldo, who converted from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark after Joakim Mæhle fouled Ibrahim Maza. The equaliser lasted barely a minute as Mæhle immediately made amends with a spectacular long-range strike to restore Wolfsburg's advantage.
When Edmond Tapsoba brought down Mohamed Amoura in the box, Christian Eriksen stepped up to make it 3-1 from the spot. Grimaldo gave Leverkusen hope just before the break, scoring his second with a precise finish after good work from Ezequiel Fernández.
Leverkusen's remarkable comeback
Hjulmand made an inspired change at the interval, introducing Patrik Schick for Fernández. The Czech striker made an immediate impact, converting a 53rd-minute penalty after Saël Kumbedi fouled Nathan Tella. The equaliser transformed the hosts, who dominated possession and pinned Wolfsburg back.
Their pressure told in the 68th minute when Edmond Tapsoba redeemed himself by poking home from close range following a corner. Five minutes later, Maza extended the lead with a curling effort from Exequiel Palacios' assist.
Substitute Ernest Poku delivered a moment of magic in stoppage time, weaving past two defenders before setting up Malik Tillman for a simple finish to complete Leverkusen's remarkable 6-3 victory.
Man of the Match: Alejandro Grimaldo
The Spanish full-back was instrumental in Leverkusen's stunning comeback, scoring twice and providing a constant attacking threat from the left flank. Grimaldo kept his nerve to convert the penalty that brought Leverkusen back into the match at 1-1, then scored a crucial second goal just before half-time to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Beyond his goals, the Spaniard covered more ground than any other player (12.2 km), registered seven shots, and maintained a relentless presence throughout the 90 minutes. His performance epitomised Leverkusen's fighting spirit as they overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a vital victory.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.79 - Wolfsburg 1.49
Fastest player: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg), 34.41 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Joakim Mæhle (Wolfsburg), 4.69 percent
Most pressed player: Ibrahim Maza (Leverkusen), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Konstantinos Koulierakis (Wolfsburg), +3.32
Fantasy Heroes: Alejandro Grimaldo (Leverkusen, 504 Points), Ibrahim Maza (Leverkusen, 380 Points), Exequiel Palacios (Leverkusen, 323 Points)
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