Bayer Leverkusen

Both teams failed to find the net as the two defences' stood firm, while Moussa Diaby fluffed a penalty which could have been enough for Die Werkself.

This was reflected in the xGoals statistics at full time as Reis’ Bochum finished with an xG of 0.85, whilst Leverkusen couldn’t find the net with their respective 1.19 xG. Credit must be given to both rearguards however, as players like Bella-Kotchap, Danilo Soares, and Gamboa stood out for VfL, while Kossounou and Tapsoba performed admirably for the guests. (4-2-3-1) Paulinho who looked lively all game was fouled by substitute Lowen when the winger recollected a pass from Schick. However, Leverkusen failed to capitalise when the unfortunate Diaby slipped while taking the resulting spot kick. Just after the hour mark and it was roles reversed as Seoane’s side were awarded a penalty. (4-2-3-1) There were mild claims for a penalty when Tapsoba appeared to fell Polter who attempted to attack a Gamboa cross, but the German striker lost his footing rather than being impeded. Tah went off injured for B04 on the half hour mark and was replaced by Bakker with Hincapie switching to the centre-half slot. Hradecky was relieved to lay claim to Polter’s goal bound header with the last piece of action of the half as the teams remained deadlocked at 0-0. Once the flares’ smoke lifted from the Ruhrstadion terraces, the game got underway and half chances presented themselves at both ends – Schick scuffed an early shot into Riemann’s arms, while Pantovic gave the visitors’ defence a brief scare. Bochum have found form difficult to come by in recent weeks but came into today’s clash with Bayer Leverkusen in a positive mood buoyed by their victory in Sinsheim last weekend. Brazilian full-back Soares cut in from the left and cracked an effort off the crossbar with his weaker foot. ⚽X M. Diaby (Pen. 65)