Bayer Leverkusen overturned an early deficit to beat RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Bundesliga, climbing to third place. A late handball controversy fueled debate, with Patrik Schick and Martin Terrier starring in the comeback.
Bayer Leverkusen secured a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga at the Red Bull Arena. The visitors trailed early but took a 2-1 lead into halftime before sealing the win.
RB Leipzig struck first in the 35th minute through Xaver Schlager's low shot from distance. Martin Terrier equalized five minutes later, heading in an unstoppable arc. Patrik Schick then put Leverkusen ahead just before the break in the 44th minute with a clever feint and precise finish.
In the second half, Leipzig pushed for an equalizer. Conrad Harder was twice denied by goalkeeper Mark Flekken, in the 53rd and 62nd minutes. Leverkusen struck decisively on a late counter through Montrell Culbreath to make it 3-1.
Controversy arose from an aerial duel where the ball struck Robert Andrich's arm, but referee Benjamin Brand rejected Leipzig's penalty appeals. Leverkusen captain Andrich quipped: "If that's a penalty: Get well soon."
Both sides were depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco: Leverkusen without Ibo Maza and Edmond Tapsoba, Leipzig missing Yan Diomandé.
The result ended RB Leipzig's perfect home record under coach Ole Werner and propelled Leverkusen above them to third, behind Borussia Dortmund and well back from Bayern Munich.