PLAYER RATINGS | Werder Bremen 3-3 Bayer Leverkusen – SVW fight back to record memorable comeback | OneFootball

Werder Bremen fought like lions to pick up a valuable point against Bayer Leverkusen at the Weserstadion in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon. Abdoul Coulibaly – at fault for Leverkusen’s opening goal – was the hero after the defender’s goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time secured a draw for 10-man Bremen after Niklas Stark’s sending off.

It means Erik ten Hag’s Leverkusen are now winless in their opening two Bundesliga games of the season despite being in a comfortable position. 3-1 up with 15 minutes remaining, Mark Flekken’s calamitous error gifted Bremen a goal and confidence, allowing Horst Steffen’s side to push on to find an equalising goal. Just one point from a possible six leads Ten Hag heading into the international break with a lot to think about as Leverkusen again looked unimpressive.

Patrik Schick opens his account for the season

It took Patrik Schick just five minutes to open the scoring for Bayer Leverkusen after Nathan Tella capitalised on an error from Bremen debutant Abdoul Coulibaly. The Nigerian attacker took the ball to the byline before pulling a low cross back into the path of Schick – who is so deadly from 10-yards out. The 29-year-old recently signed a contract extension with die Werkself and is eager to repay the faith shown in him. Despite the opening exchanges being all Leverkusen, Marco Grüll came close for the hosts after winning the ball back with an excellent tackle before firing his curling shot just around the wrong side of the post.

Malik Tillman then doubled Bayer Leverkusen’s lead on his debut for the club after Bremen failed to clear their lines in the 35th minute. B04 built-up from inside their own half, and ended with the American taking the ball down on his chest before firing it past Mio Backhaus on the volley. But as we entered the latter stages of the first half, Bremen were given a lifeline when Axel Tape – making his first league start for the club – brought down Samuel Mbangula in the box. After consultation with the VAR, the on-field referee deemed the Frenchman’s tackle enough to award Bremen a penalty, which was dispatched by Romano Schmid for his first goal of the season.

Werder Bremen fight back to secure draw

With no changes at the break, there were few chances in the opening stages of the second half, with Christian Kofane firing his shot straight at Backhaus. But the Cameroonian was involved again just after the hour mark. He was brought down by Niklas Stark in the area which saw the Bremen defender sent off for a second-bookable offence. Schick dispatched the penalty with ease for his second of the afternoon.

But while Bremen were down to 10 men, Mark Flekken gifted the hosts a goal after he raced 40-yards out of his area, only to be beaten to the ball by Isaac Schmidt who rounded the Dutchman and rolled the ball into an empty net. His error made for a nervy ending for the visitors, and as Bremen pushed for an equaliser, they were rewarded as 18-year-old Coulibaly bundled the ball over the line in the sixth minute of added time to the delight of the home fans.

Heading into the international break, it’s worrying for Ten Hag and Leverkusen who just seem to haven’t been able to click yet. Meanwhile Bremen – with one of the Bundesliga’s youngest starting squads of the matchday – showed fight and determination to secure their first point of the season.

Werder Bremen Player Ratings

Mio Backhaus (5) – Yukinari Sugawara (6), Niklas Stark (3), Abdoul Coulibaly (4), Felix Agu (5) – Patrice Čović (4), Senne Lynen (5) – Justin Njinmah (5), Romano Schmid (7), Samuel Mbangula (7) – Marco Grüll (6)

Others: Leonardo Bittencourt (5), Skelly Alvero (6), Isaac Schmidt (6), Keke Topp (-)

Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings

Mark Flekken (2) – Jarell Quansah (6), Edmond Tapsoba (6), Axel Tape (4) – Nathan Tella (5), Robert Andrich (5), Aleix Garcia (5), Alejandro Grimaldo (6) – Christian Kofane (6), Malik Tillman (7) – Patrik Schick (7)

Others: Exequiel Palacios (6), Claudio Echeverri (6), Loïc Badé (-), Ernest Poku (-), Ibrahim Maza (-)

GGFN Player of the Match: Patrik Schick (7)

Patrik Schick may have only touched the ball 27 times, but two of them ended with goals. Were it not for the Czech’s clinical finishing, Leverkusen would have been worse off. The 29-year-old was strong in the duels and also contributed defensively with three contributions.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder