Patrik Schick scored a late equaliser to salvage a point for Bayer Leverkusen in a 2-2 draw at FC Augsburg. The Czech striker found the net with a backheel in the 89th minute, cancelling out a disastrous ten-minute spell after half-time.
Werkself coach Carles Martinez had warned about the opponent before the match. The coach said that based on the results, they were currently the best team in the league. They were top of the table and had earned it because they played very good football: in defence, in attack and in transition.
Kofane strikes early
Bayer Leverkusen started with the same XI that beat Union Berlin and deployed Christian Kofane as the central striker. The young attacker rewarded that faith in the 18th minute with the opening goal, assisted by captain Edmond Tapsoba. Leverkusen dominated the first half but squandered a big chance to score again just before the break.
Double blow after the break
The game turned on its head within minutes of the restart. Michael Gregoritsch scored twice for the hosts in the 50th and 55th minutes to complete the turnaround. The Leverkusen defence, solid until that point, looked disorganised during this phase.
Schick off the bench
Martinez reacted by introducing Patrik Schick and Malik Tillman from the bench. The visitors' pressure increased, but the reward only came late. Tillman set up Schick in the 89th minute, and the striker guided the ball home with his heel. A later Schick goal was then ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
The single point leaves Bayer Leverkusen sixth in the Bundesliga table with 4 points from 3 games. The Werkself now sit five points behind leaders SC Freiburg. The next challenge is a home fixture against RB Leipzig, currently 12th, next weekend. Check our fixtures and standings pages for the latest. The squad was missing the injured Montrell Culbreath, Nathan Tella and Kennet Eichhorn for the trip to Augsburg.
The goalscorers and assist providers for the 2-2 draw against Augsburg were confirmed. Michael Gregoritsch scored for FCA in the 50th and 55th minutes. The assists came from Hennes Behrens and Fabian Rieder. Patrik Schick's 89th-minute equalizer was set up by Malik Tillman. Leverkusen is in 7th place with 4 points from 3 games.
Patrik Schick commented on his substitute role in the 2-2 draw against Augsburg. "The coach decided it that way, I accept it, but of course I prefer to be on the pitch," the striker said. The Werkself has scored 8 goals and conceded 5 in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen wants to extend Christian Kofane's contract promptly until 2031. The striker's goal for 1-0 in Augsburg was made special by a close friendship with Edmond Tapsoba.
Bayer Leverkusen plays its first Europa League game of the season on Wednesday. The club hosts Celje at the BayArena. Manager Carles Martinez will again be without the injured Montrell Culbreath, Nathan Tella, and Kennet Eichhorn, the club confirmed on Tuesday. Leverkusen enters the match with a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss from its last five competitive games.
