Klopp no lucky charm: Leipzig lose against Leverkusen

RB Leipzig suffered their first home defeat in the presence of Jürgen Klopp. Despite taking the lead, they suffered a 3-1 (1-2) defeat against Bayer Leverkusen in their final home game of the year. As a result, the Saxons dropped from second place in the Bundesliga table to fourth behind the Rhinelanders, who are now level on points.

In front of 46,053 spectators, Xaver Schlager (35th minute) put Leipzig ahead. Martin Terrier (40') equalized before ex-Leipzig player Patrik Schick (44') turned the game around in the first half. Montrell Culbreath made everything clear for Leverkusen in stoppage time (90.+7).

Klopp and Mintzlaff in the stands together for the first time

Watched closely by global soccer boss Klopp and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, who were in the stands together for the first time at an RB home game, Ole Werner brought on the recovered Romulo from the start and even brought on Conrad Harder alongside him. Tidiam Gomis made his starting debut on the right flank after the many injury absences and the withdrawal for the Africa Cup with the recently outstanding Yan Diomande.

Bayer coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was also shaken in terms of personnel, made five changes after the 2-0 defeat to Cologne. However, Christian Kofane, who will not join his Cameroon team until after the game, was initially left on the bench. For him, ex-Leipzig player Patrik Schick was allowed to start up front.

Both goalkeepers prevent early setback

The players were at operating temperature right from the start. Peter Gulacsi prevented the early deficit against former colleague Schick (5th), who was suddenly free through. Harder (6) then tested Bayer keeper Mark Flekken with a long-range shot from 18 meters. After a dream pass from Romulo, Christoph Baumgartner (10) slid into the ball but failed to hit the target. Gomis (18) had the best chance to take the lead from twelve meters out on the half-left in a 3:2 situation, but his shot was blocked. It was the expected attacking exchange of blows between the two teams, who have scored 19 goals in their last four duels.

Ex-Leipzig man Schick turns the game around

After a free-kick in the area, Willi Orban (32) took the ball on the volley at the far post, but Flecken was on hand again. The Bayer goalkeeper was then powerless. Schlager flicked a ball from 16 meters past two defenders into the left corner to take the lead. But the visitors responded promptly: Terrier headed into the far corner at full stretch from an Arthur cross. Then former RB professional Schick (44) turned the game around. He first outdanced the young Kosta Nedeljkovic and then curled the ball straight into the corner.

After the changeover, Harder (53) had the equalizer on his feet in front of Flekken, but the visiting goalkeeper again reacted brilliantly. RB invested a lot, pressing Bayer deep into their own half, but the Saxons were too hasty in their finishing. It was often just a matter of centimetres, such as after a cross from the edge of the area when Harder (62) only hit the outside of the far post. Despite the absences, Leverkusen shone with a good playing structure and well executed attacks.

In the end, Bayer's attack was more effective, even if substitute Kofane missed the final goal (90.+3). Culbreath then made sure of that with a counter-attack. In the build-up to the goal, however, Leipzig had previously claimed a handball penalty - to no avail.

Timo Werner's last appearance?

Timo Werner was back in the RB squad, as he had been in the game at Union. He was substituted in the 79th minute to great applause from the fans and shouts of "Timo Werner". Beforehand, the former international striker had pulled his face deep into his tube scarf in temperatures of nine degrees and heated seats. The 29-year-old club record goalscorer still has a contract until next summer. But a move in the winter is possible. According to media reports, the San José Earthquakes have signaled their interest.