Bayer Leverkusen secure comeback victory against Wolfsburg in nine-goal thriller
Alejandro Grimaldo scored a brace as Bayer Leverkusen recovered from 3-1 down to earn a vital win against relegation-threatened Wolfsburg, keeping their European qualification 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)
Leverkusen hosted Wolfsburg at the BayArena with both sides desperate for points for very different reasons. The hosts are 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
Wolfsburg 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 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
Kasper Hjulmand made an inspired change at the interval, introducing Patrik Schick for Fernández. The Czechia striker made an immediate impact, converting a 53rd-minute penalty after Saël Kumbedi had fouled Nathan Tella. The equaliser transformed the hosts, who dominated possession and pinned Wolfsburg back.
Their pressure told in the 68th minute when 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
Grimaldo was instrumental in Leverkusen's stunning comeback, scoring twice and providing a constant attacking threat from the left flank. The Spanish full-back 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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