Bundesliga – What We Learned – Vfl Wolfsburg 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1

Bundesliga – What We Learned – Vfl Wolfsburg 2 Bayer Leverkusen 1

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Vfl Wolfsburg defeated top four competitors Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in an enthralling battle enriched with controversy and thrills.

It was Nicklas Bendtner who opened the scoring in controversial circumstances, but moments later Javier Hernandez levelled the scores for Leverkusen. In the end substitutes Bas Dost and Julian Draxler who made the difference, when the former served the ball to the latter on a silver platter, allowing the German to tap home with ease.

The victory sees Wolfsburg advance to third position on 21 points, while Leverkusen’s fourth loss of the season sees them conclude the week in seventh with 17 points.

Robust Rodriguez and jubilant Jung

Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez has been one of the best Bundesliga defenders this season and he continued that trend against the visitors.

It did not take long for the Swiss international to impose himself on the match, making two interceptions, two tackles, two crosses and two cracks at goal. The full-back was always driving forward at every opportunity, involved in great link-up play.

Rodriguez’ 76th minute shot ultimately what lead to the winning goal, when Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno horrendously parried the ball straight to Bas Dost, who set up Draxler. The 23 year old is the most prolific defender in the Bundesliga right now, scoring 12 goals and registering 19 assists since making the switch to Wolfsburg in 2012.

On the other side of the back four, Sebastian Jung received a rare start due to Christian Trasch’s injury. In his scarce chance, the German performed brilliantly, without doubt one of the best players of the match.

Jung delivered five crosses, three key passes, four tackles, two interceptions and two clearances; and managed to surge forward often while also dealing with his defensive duties.

Christoph Kramer, Mr. Consistent

Despite the defeat, Kramer was exceptional, he did not just drift deep and hold the midfield but his attacking contribution also proved to be important.

The 24-year-old is no architect but it was his fancy footwork and well-weighted cross that lead to the Hernandez equaliser. He completed the most passes in the clash (58) with a success rate of 84.5%, he also superbly nut-megged Rodriguez.

In patches of the outing, Kramer dashed up the field in a bid to obtain the lead, at one stage it appeared as if the midfielder was going to score, before the ball was steered away for a corner.

It was an audacious performance from Kramer, an encouraging sign in a dreaded outcome for the visitors.

Questionable decision hinders match

Bendtner’s opening goal incited a furious reaction from Leverkusen, who were adamant that the play should have been pulled up for offside. The controversial event transpired in the 33rd minute, when the contest between Kevin Kampl and Wolfsburg’s Andre Schurrle forced the ball into the path of Vierinha, who was in an offside position if the ball had been played by his teammate. From there Vierinha sent a low cross into the feet of Bendtner, who made no mistake with a close-range finish.

Initially the flag was raised but it was overlooked by the referee, a surprising situation that undoubtedly played a major role in the result of the match.

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