Leverkusen's Suffocating Control: Freiburg Outclassed

Normal Puntuación Futmetrix: 40/100. At BayArena, this wasn't merely a Bundesliga fixture—it was a clinical demonstration of tactical superiority that left Freiburg gasping for air.

First Half: Possession as Punishment

Bayer Leverkusen seized the intensity from kickoff and never relinquished it. Commanding 69% possession, the Werkself transformed BayArena into an impenetrable fortress. E. Poku made them pay in the 22nd minute, finishing a precise assist from Aleix García for 1-0. The statistics were suffocating—19 shots to 10—yet Leverkusen's dominance felt even more comprehensive than the scoreline suggested.

The Breaking Point: Tapsoba's Strike and Red Chaos

After the interval, the stakes shifted violently. Edmond Tapsoba doubled the lead in the 52nd minute following Alex Grimaldo's assist—a defender scoring epitomized Leverkusen's total control. Then came the knockout blow: Philipp Lienhart of SC Freiburg received a straight red in the 74th minute. Freiburg's fragile balance shattered entirely. Facing a team that operated at 93% pass accuracy with ten men on the pitch, the visitors were mathematically eliminated.

The Verdict Written in Numbers

Loïc Badé was a colossus for Leverkusen—a 7.9 rating that spoke to defensive mastery. García orchestrated the midfield with six key passes, dictating rhythm. Freiburg? Merely 31% possession, 81% pass accuracy, three shots on target—a team that never threatened. The xG gulf (1.71 vs. 0.72) proved Leverkusen could have won by three without breaking a sweat.