Dortmund (4-1-4-1)
Kobel (5.5): Made two saves from almost-in-range free kicks from Grimaldo. However, his second save (although sublime) led to Leverkusen’s equalizer from a corner.
Maatsen (4): The Dutch player, born on March 10, 2002, was relatively unnoticeable and came forward to defend in double teams, often successfully. Nothing else to report. Replaced at half-time by Wolf (5.5) who showed himself much more offensively without being overwhelmed defensively.
Schlotterbeck (5): Good match thanks to his physical ability in the service of technique. He made some runs where he did not have to blush for his speed against Frimpong, for example. Alongside a very good Hummels, it is easier to be good. Beaten by Stanisic on the 1-1.
Hummels (7.5): The boss of the defense, his interventions were countless. One can mention his standing tackle on Schick in particular. In total, he won 9 duels out of 10.
Ryerson (6): Several times in the attacking positions, he tried his luck from 20 meters out, not on target. He also made a very good dribble that led to the biggest yellow opportunity of the first half thanks to a hook that made all the difference.
Can (6): He was the essential man in midfield for his ability to win back balls (or block shots) and impose an enormous physical density. Replaced relatively quickly because of his yellow card, but Nmecha did not have time to show himself.
Bynoe-Gittens (3.5): The usual substitute was far too harmless to score points with Edin Terzic. In addition, he made far too many mistakes (10 balls out of 36 played). Replaced by Duranville.
Brandt (3.5): Very bad match against his former team. He was only seen making passes without taking much risk. Logically replaced by Ozcan.
Sabitzer (7): Offensively, he was the player who caused the most problems with his good movement and responsiveness, as can be seen from this powerful shot that brought Hradecky into the spotlight. Above all, he was decisive in his pass to Fullkrug who opened the scoring.
Sancho (3): The other winger of the team could not show more than his counterpart on the left. He never got into a good position, which is difficult with only 35 balls touched in 70 minutes. Replaced by Reus.
Fullkrug (5): Not very visible for a good part of the match, even in his ability to provide support, his main feat of arms remains the goal that came close to breaking Leverkusen’s unbeaten run. Beaten by Stanisic’s header for the goal that deprived them of the 3 points.
Leverkusen (3-4-3)
Hradecky (6): Made a great save from Sabitzer before half-time. That was his only work until Fullkrug’s goal, where he was powerless.
Hincapié (6.5): Returning to a more natural center-back position, he showed his strengths by winning most of his duels and blocking shots. Replaced by Boniface to try and score an equalizer.
Tah (6): Solid enough, but he found it more difficult than usual to influence the game.
Tapsoba (6): He was shining tonight both in passing and in his defensive positioning. He was impassable but his only mistake was fatal as he left Fullkrug alone to open the scoring.
Grimaldo (6): Not too worried defensively, he was able to try his luck first in the game with a good curled shot that came down quickly, characteristic of the player. Then from a free kick, he tried the same but it was just over again. His other two free kicks put Kobel to work, the second of which led to the decisive corner for the equalizer.
Andrich (6): Thanks to his good performances recently, he has established himself as an undisputed starter and showed his worth again today. Successful in duels (6/7 won), he helped to make his team compact when they didn’t have the ball. With the ball, Palacios seems to be a better option if his team needs to attack more.
Xhaka (6): Several times he found his teammates in depth, but they rarely knew how to make the most of them. A decent match overall, although less influential than usual, like almost all of his team’s players.
Stanisic (7): As he has shown in the past, he is more of a defensive asset (7 duels won out of 11) than an offensive one. However, he jumped higher than anyone else to head home the last corner to make his people happy and that is priceless. From the reaction of the others, we could see how this invincibility has become an objective for Leverkusen and its coach.
Tella (4): He finds Frimpong on a cross but the latter does not manage to head home victoriously. Not much else and therefore below expectations. Wirtz ends up replacing him and it is he who provides the decisive assist on a corner for Stanisic. Tonitruant this Wirtz.
Frimpong (5): Playing for the first time of the season as a support striker, he showed too many shortcomings despite a clear desire. His header in the box is too far off for someone who is not used to being in this position. Very often launched in depth (with some success in the physical duel) but in vain, because of a glaring lack of lucidity in the final gesture (bad pass, procrastination with the ball) and that really hurt his team. Xabi Alonso was not right with this new positioning of his usual right-back.
Hofmann (4.5): Like Frimpong, he was playing in an unusual position this season despite having Boniface, Schick or Iglesias at hand Xabi Alonso. Moreover, he tried to play on his qualities, not hesitating to leave the heart of the attack. In particular, he was found alone in behind but he shot well over. He was then found in a good position on a long pass into the box and in one touch he played Tella but he was eventually offside. Not a success this new positioning either. One wonders why the first team was not lined up tonight with Leverkusen’s known championship objectives. Replaced by Schick.
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