Bundesliga
Werder Bremen twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday evening.
Werder Bremen 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Boniface 30' (assist: Frimpong), 1-1 Ducksch 74' (assist: Malatini), 1-2 Agu (o.g. 77'), 2-2 Schmid 90' (assist: Njinmah)
Bremen, still searching for their first home goal of the season, faced the reigning champions who were looking to maintain their impressive away form. Leverkusen arrived with fond memories of their last visit to Bremen, where they secured their first-ever Bundesliga title with a 5-0 victory. The hosts, however, were buoyed by their recent 4-2 away win against Wolfsburg and aimed to translate that form to their home turf.
The home side burst out of the blocks, immediately putting pressure on the Leverkusen defence. In the opening minute, Marvin Ducksch tested Lukáš Hrádecký with a low shot, signalling Bremen's intent. The hosts continued to press, with Ducksch at the heart of their attacks. In the 14th minute, a sublime long ball from Mitchell Weiser found Ducksch, whose attempted lob over Hrádecký lacked the necessary height. Despite Bremen's dominance, it was Leverkusen who struck first against the run of play.
In the 30th minute, Victor Boniface demonstrated why he's been such a crucial addition to Leverkusen's squad. A clever pass from Florian Wirtz found Jeremie Frimpong on the right, who delivered a pinpoint cross. Boniface, showing his predatory instincts, was quickest to react, firing home from close range to give Leverkusen the lead. The goal was a testament to Leverkusen's efficiency, scoring with their first real chance of the match.
Watch: Xhaka frustrated by draw
The second half began with increased intensity. In the 50th minute, Weiser received a yellow card for a rash challenge on Alejandro Grimaldo. Bremen continued their search for an equaliser, with Zetterer making crucial saves to keep them in the game, including a fine stop from Boniface in the 55th minute.
Bremen's efforts were finally rewarded in the 74th minute when Ducksch, who had been a constant threat, found the back of the net. Julián Malatini's well-placed cross found Ducksch, who expertly headed past Hrádecký, sending the Weser-Stadion into raptures. However, Bremen's joy was short-lived as Leverkusen regained the lead just three minutes later through an unfortunate own goal by Felix Agu.
The match's intensity didn't wane in the closing stages. In the 84th minute, Wirtz came agonisingly close to sealing the win for Leverkusen, his shot striking the post. Just as it seemed Leverkusen would leave with all three points, Romano Schmid had other ideas. In the 90th minute, he unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the area, beating Hrádecký and sending the home fans into delirium. The late equaliser was a fitting end to a thrilling encounter, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and fighting spirit until the final whistle.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bremen 1.0377 - Leverkusen 1.1594
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), 34.2 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-2 by Romano Schmid (Bremen), 3.74% chance
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), 31 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen), +3.74
Fantasy Heroes: Marvin Ducksch (Bremen, 262 Points), Romano Schmid (Bremen, 256 Points), Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen, 217 Points)