Winning streak snapped: But Bayer Leverkusen is keeping VfL Wolfsburg at arm’s length in the race for a European Cup spot despite a big rotation.
Coach Xabi Alonso’s team picked up the next point in the 0-0 clash between the factory clubs and would have deserved even more. But three days after the quarterfinal first leg of the Europa League against Union Saint-Gilloise, the team probably lacked a bit of energy in the end.
Even though the winning streak of five Bundesliga trebles in a row has now come to an end, Leverkusen has consolidated sixth place in the table with its eleventh competitive match in a row without a defeat, while Alonso and Co. are six points behind fifth place. Bayer has thus climbed eleven places under the Spaniard since matchday eight. Wolfsburg remains four points behind Leverkusen and is ninth.
“It’s not going to be easy. They have a lot of power and are run-intensive,” Alonso had said before the game, but his team held up well despite five changes compared to the Saint-Gilloise game (1-1). Among others, young star Florian Wirtz was only on the bench until the 62nd minute, but Bayer still looked for the way forward in front of 20,137 spectators.
Real chances were scarce at first, however, because Wolfsburg was well organized defensively – until Sardar Azmoun hit the crossbar (27th). Nadiem Amiri also tried from distance (41.), Moussa Diaby (54.) missed from close range.
The hosts did not hide either, but the Wolves’ efforts lacked a bit of tempo and probably also the tidy game structure of Maximilian Arnold – the appointed captain was absent due to illness. Patrick Wimmer (72nd) lacked the necessary coolness against Bayer keeper Lukas Hradecky. On the other side, substitute Amine Adli (88th) almost scored late on.
Overall, Leverkusen had a bit more of the game, but due to the large rotation, the dress rehearsal for the Europa League second leg was only partially successful. On Thursday, however, Alonso will surely bring his stars like Wirtz or Adli back from the start against Saint-Gilloise.