Defensive Fortress Instead of a Goal Fest – Leverkusen Grinds Out a Point in Wolfsburg

Well, another point in the bag – but this time, no goals, no celebrations, no fireworks. A goalless draw in Wolfsburg, about as exciting as unsweetened chamomile tea on a Monday morning. And yet, things are actually looking good for Bayer Leverkusen: still unbeaten in 27 consecutive Bundesliga away games! A streak that would make even the most cynical fans scratch their heads. But here's the catch: Bayern Munich keeps pulling away at the top, and that stings.

Xabi Alonso knew the stakes and decided to shake things up, making eight changes to the starting lineup compared to the DFB-Pokal win over Köln. That wasn’t just rotation; that was a full-on reconstruction. Boniface up front, Hermoso in defense, Tella on the wing – a completely new look. The game itself? Let’s call it "tactically disciplined." Wolfsburg, famous for their set-piece prowess, thought they had an early lead, but the VAR had other ideas. A moment that should have been a wake-up call for Leverkusen. It wasn’t.

Our Werkself only really threatened through set pieces as well. Nordi Mukiele had a golden chance with a header but seemed to think he was still in training – over the bar! After that, a lot of midfield battles, a few half-chances here and there, but nothing to get the heart racing. Wolfsburg's Tiago Tomas forced Hradecky into a couple of good saves, while on the other end, Granit Xhaka reminded everyone that long-range shots are indeed an option – unfortunately, his went over.

The second half started with a bit more urgency from Bayer 04. Tella and Xhaka tried their luck, Boniface tested the tensile strength of Wolfsburg's net – but it was all effort without reward. Then came a heart-stopping moment: Wolfsburg's Fischer rattled the crossbar. Luck was on our side. In the closing stages, Alonso turned to his super-subs, bringing on Wirtz and Frimpong – and suddenly, there was that spark of magic. Wirtz weaved his way through the defense in classic Wirtz fashion, only to poke the ball agonizingly wide of the far post. That was it. A game with no winner, no goals, and no real euphoria.

So, what’s the takeaway? Bayer remains solid, but title contenders need wins – especially when the league leaders are within reach. But maybe, just maybe, our boys are saving their fireworks for the next match. Because next weekend, Bayern Munich comes to Leverkusen. Under the floodlights. At home. A game screaming for drama and spectacle. If that one ends goalless, we might just lose our minds.