Wirtz puzzle: Leverkusen's victory against Dortmund despite traffic jams!

On January 12, 2025, Bayer Leverkusen won 3-2 against Borussia Dortmund and thus celebrated the ninth competitive victory in a row. However, the encounter was characterized by discussions about Florian Wirtz, who was only on the bench due to internal reasons.

coach Xabi Alonso said that Wirtz, together with Exequiel Palacios, appeared too late for the team meeting after traffic jams occurred on the A1 bridge due to the falling ice parts. Alonso emphasized that Wirtz was not on the bench because of lack of discipline and that negligence and unhappy circumstances led to his non -consideration in the starting XI. Simon Rolfes, the sports director of Bayer, supported this decision to maintain the routine on the match day.

Game course and change of player

In the game itself, Nathan Tella scored the first goal for Leverkusen after just 25 seconds. Patrik Schick increased to 3: 1 in the 8th and 19th minute, while Jamie Gitten scored the connecting goal for Dortmund in the 12th minute. Serhou Guirassy shortened for Dortmund by penalty in the 78th minute. Wirtz was substituted in the 63rd minute and, after bringing a breath of fresh air into play, could help keep the ball while Dortmund pressed for equalization.

The game started with a delay of 15 minutes, since a minute of commemorative minute for the late club icon Teddy de Beer was held. Dortmund had to compete strongly, which meant that with Yannik Lührs (21) and Almugara Kabar (18), two young players made their debut in the starting eleven. Leverkusen will compete against the 1st FSV Mainz 05 on Tuesday, while Dortmund plays against Holstein Kiel.

Although Wirtz was not in the starting line -up in Dortmund, it is expected that he will play against Mainz again next Tuesday, like ksta.de reported. In another report, Sportschau.de aware of the first home defeat this season and emphasized the critical statements of the coach only this season Sahin regarding the defensive order of his team.