Bayer Leverkusen conceded a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Max Geschwill and Jann-Fiete Arp both struck apiece after Victor Boniface and Jonas Hofmann had scored inside the opening 10 minutes to give Leverkusen a 2-0 cushion early on. For the second league game in a row, Xabi Alonso’s side dropped points, as their title defense is beginning to show cracks. Here are the player ratings for both, Bayer Leverkusen and Holstein Kiel:
Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings vs Holstein Kiel
Goalkeeper
Lukas Hradecky – 6.5
He was having a decent game early on, but Holstein Kiel eventually beat him twice.
Defenders
Jonathan Tah – 6
Excellent at passing but could’ve been involved more in defense.
Robert Andrich – 7.5
A key figure for Leverkusen in the defense with three interceptions and one block. He also played a key role in winning back possession, having won four of his ground duels.
Edmond Tapsoba – 6.5
The Burkina Faso international made two clearances and interceptions each, as well as blocking one shot, while also looking strong in the air.
Midfielders
Jeremie Frimpong – 7.5
A fabulous attacking display from Frimpong, who made the right flank his own. Full of speed, vigor and guile, he laid two key passes and made five crosses for the attackers to feed on.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5
The Swiss international passed the ball around with exemplary accuracy to help Leverkusen maintain control of the match.
Exequiel Palacios – 8.5
A creative inspiration for Die Werkself tonight, Palacios created both their goals inside the opening 10 minutes with his vision, quick-feet and perfect execution.
Alejandro Grimaldo – 7.5
A bright attacking presence on the left, as Grimaldo laid a plethora of crosses that kept Holstein Kiel on their toes.
Forwards
Jonas Hoffman – 8
Hoffman doubled Leverkusen’s advantage in just the eighth minute with a well-taken goal.
Florian Wirtz – 7
He lacked accuracy with his shots but was still a threat to Holstein Kiel nonetheless with his positioning and directness.
Victor Boniface – 8.5
He continued his fine run of form with another goal tonight, breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute to give his side the lead.
Substitutes
Martin Terrier – 6
He replaced the dangerous Hoffman but came a cropper in attack.
Piero Hincapie – 6
He impressed only in bits and parts.
Aleix Garcia – 6.5
We could see flashes of the Spaniard’s attacking nous. He should’ve been brought on much earlier.
Patrik Schick – 5
The Czech Republic star was a total non-factor after coming on.
Amine Adli – N/A
The 24-year-old had minimal impact in whatever little time he had on the pitch.
Manager
Xabi Alonso – 6.5
The Spaniard is perhaps facing his first major challenge in a while. Although Die Werkself remains unbeaten but they are slowly starting to show signs of fatigue, as their last few games haven’t been their best.
Holstein Kiel Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen
Goalkeeper
Timon Weiner – 7.5
With five saves, the Holstein Kiel custodian truly made a telling impact on the night as he frustrated their mighty hosts with a series of big interventions.
Defenders
Marko Ivezic – 8.5
He delivered a defensive masterclass tonight, leaving everything on the field to prevent Leverkusen from regaining their lead. A staggering 13 clearances truly tell a story, while also registering three blocks and interceptions each.
Patrick Erras – 8
Erras perfectly complimented Ivezic in defense with 14 clearances, a testament to his impeccable vision on the night.
Max Geschwill – 7.5
The defender pulled one back for the visitors in the added minutes of the first half.
Midfielders
Timo Becker – 7.5
He was more involved defensively, and didn’t put a foot wrong. Becker had six clearances, one block and one interception to his name.
Lewis Holtby – 7
He put things on the plate for Geschwill to score Holstein Kiel’s goal late in the opening stanza.
Magnus Knudsen – 7
Knudsen covered almost every blade of grass, hunting down Leverkusen players for possession.
Armin Gigovic – 7.5
Gigovic was key to regaining possession for his side, winning six of his seven ground duels, while also keeping a weather eye on Leverkusen’s forwards, as he made three clearances and two interceptions, much to their dismay.
Finn Porath – 7.5
A thorn in Leverkusen’s flesh, he made nine tackles and won 10 of his 13 ground duels.
Forwards
Steven Skrzybski – 4
The Holstein Kiel hitman cut a toothless figure up front, failing to muster a single effort during the first half which saw him get subbed off at the break.
Shuto Machino – 5
Machino was only marginally better than Skrzybski, making just one shot that tested the gloves of Hradecky. He too was taken off after the end of the opening stanza.
Substitutes
Benedikt Pichler – 6
He made some key interventions, here and there.
Jann-Fiete Arp – 7.5
He clinically dispatched his penalty to draw Holstein Kiel level.
Marvin Schulz – 6.5
His involvement was minimal.
Marco Komenda – N/A
He didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Nicolai Remberg – N/A
The match was in its closing stages by the time he came on.
Manager
Marcel Rapp – 7.5
Excellent substitution from Marcel Rapp, as sending Arp on proved to be a game-changer for him.
FAQs
What was the result of Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel?
The result between Bayer Leverkusen and Holstein Kiel was a 2-2 draw.
When was Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel?
Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel match was held on Saturday, 5 October 2024.
Who was the Man of the Match in the Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel?
The man of the match of Bayer Leverkusen vs Holstein Kiel was goalkeeper Timon Weiner.