RB Leipzig’s coach Ole Werner criticized a ball boy’s quick throw-in that led to Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s opening goal in their decisive 4-1 defeat on May 2, 2026, at BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.
The match was significant in the context of the battle for Champions League places. Patrik Schick scored the opening goal for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, setting the tone for the match.
Leverkusen dominated with 56% possession. In contrast, RB Leipzig had enjoyed 67% possession in their previous match against Union Berlin. The defeat marked a setback for Leipzig as they aimed for a top-four finish.
Werner expressed frustration during a post-match interview. He stated, “We only talked about this six months ago at the coaches’ meeting. It does make a difference whether the ball is thrown to you or whether you have to go get it yourself.” He acknowledged that Leverkusen were better over the full 90 minutes.
In their last ten head-to-head matches, Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured five victories while RB Leipzig has four wins and one draw. This latest result adds to Leverkusen’s recent form, which includes four wins, two losses, and four draws in their last ten league games.
RB Leipzig has performed well recently with seven victories, one defeat, and two draws in their last ten league matches. Simon Rolfes commented on the match, saying, “We all like a high net playing time.” This reflects ongoing discussions about game management and efficiency.
The outcome of this match may influence both teams’ strategies moving forward as they vie for Champions League qualification. Observers expect both teams to adjust their tactics in upcoming matches as they continue their Bundesliga campaigns.
