VfL Wolfsburg 1-3 Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings: Mark Flekken 9/10 Rated as The Black and Reds Secure an Impressive Away Victory

What a game of two halves in the Bundesliga! Bayer 04 Leverkusen simply decided to win this match in the first 45 minutes. They came out with an intensity that VfL Wolfsburg just could not handle. It was a whirlwind of attacking football, a genuine spectacle. The scoring opened early. Jonas Hofmann netted just nine minutes in, setting a blistering pace. Then, a corner led to Edmond Tapsoba doubling the lead, a powerful header that left the keeper with no chance. The home side looked utterly shell-shocked.

Before they could even regroup, Malik Tillman unleashed a strike to make it 3-0. It was clinical, ruthless, and devastatingly effective from the visitors. Wolfsburg, for all their effort, were passengers in their own stadium. The first half was a masterclass in exploiting space and being decisive.

Credit to Wolfsburg, they didn't just roll over. They came out for the second half with a point to prove and a mountain to climb. A goal from Denis Vavro gave them a glimmer of hope. They even had another goal ruled out by VAR, a moment that could have changed the game's complexion entirely. But in the end, the damage was done. The star of the show, for us, was Leverkusen's keeper Mark Flekken. He was an absolute wall, making nine saves to deny any chance of a comeback. This was a statement win for Leverkusen, built on a truly breathtaking first-half display. Here are the Sportsdunia's VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen player ratings.

VfL Wolfsburg Player Ratings vs Bayer Leverkusen

Check out VfL Wolfsburg Player Ratings from the VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen game:

Goalkeeper

Kamil Grabara - 5.5: A really tough day at the office for the keeper. He was left completely exposed by his defence for all three first-half goals. You can't really blame him for any of them. He made a couple of good high claims and his distribution was decent enough under pressure. But conceding three goals at home is never a good look. We noticed his frustration was palpable as the goals flew in.

Defenders

Denis Vavro - 6.5: He gets a higher rating for his goal, a well-taken header that gave his team a sliver of hope. Defensively, however, he was part of a unit that was completely dismantled in the first half. He tried to get things going, even having a pop from distance that was saved. A very mixed performance but he showed fight.

Jenson Seelt - 4.5: Hooked at halftime, and it’s not hard to see why. The pace and movement of Leverkusen's attack seemed to overwhelm him completely. He lost his aerial duels and looked a step behind. It was a harsh lesson for the defender against a top-quality side. From our perspective, the substitution was a necessary move to try and shore things up.

Aaron Zehnter - 6.0: A curious performance. He created a staggering four chances from defence, which is impressive by any standard. His delivery from set-pieces was a constant threat. However, the primary job is to defend, and his flank was a source of joy for Leverkusen. A great attacking outlet but suspect defensively.

Saël Kumbedi - 5.0: Another defender who struggled to cope with the onslaught. He showed some flashes of skill with a few successful dribbles but provided little end product. He lost possession a bit too often for our liking. He was eventually substituted, which summed up his afternoon. He just couldn't impose himself on the game.

Midfielders

Mohamed Amoura - 5.5: He ran hard and got stuck in, maybe a bit too much as he picked up a yellow card. What stood out to us was how often he lost the ball in key areas. He seemed to be fighting a losing battle in the middle of the park. A performance full of effort but lacking in quality.

Lovro Majer - 6.0: One of the few Wolfsburg players who looked like he could create something. He tested the keeper with two shots on target and was always looking for the ball. However, he also missed a big chance that could have shifted momentum. He was busy but ultimately couldn't find that killer pass.

Maximilian Arnold - 7.0: The captain led by example, especially in the second half. He never stopped trying to drag his team back into the match. He created four chances, got an assist for the goal, and was constantly battling. A true captain's knock in a losing effort. Easily Wolfsburg's best player on the day.

Yannick Gerhardt - 5.0: A very quiet hour on the pitch for him. He was largely anonymous and failed to make any real impact on the game. His passing was tidy but lacked penetration. Substituted after 61 minutes, and it was a fair decision. The game just passed him by.

Patrick Wimmer - 4.5: A really poor outing for Wimmer. He was ineffective in attack and a liability defensively, being dribbled past twice. He lost the majority of his duels and offered very little going forward. It was no surprise to see him taken off after an hour.

Forwards

Dzenan Pejcinovic - 5.5: He had his chances, with two shots on target forcing saves from the keeper. But he also missed a big chance that a striker of his quality should be burying. He looked lively but lacked the clinical edge needed. He worked hard but it wasn't his day in front of goal.

Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings vs VfL Wolfsburg

Check out Bayer Leverkusen Player Ratings from the VfL Wolfsburg vs Bayer Leverkusen game:

Goalkeeper

Mark Flekken - 9.0: An absolutely phenomenal performance and our Man of the Match. He made an incredible nine saves, many of them at crucial moments in the second half. Without him, Wolfsburg might have completed a stunning comeback. His command of his area was total. What stood out to us was his save from Wind late on; it was world-class.

Defenders

Loïc Badé - 7.0: A calm and composed display at the heart of the defence. His passing was crisp and accurate, helping Leverkusen build from the back. He won his duels and made several key clearances. A very solid, professional performance. He was untroubled for most of the game.

Robert Andrich - 6.5: The captain put in a typical battling performance. He was a disruptive force in midfield, breaking up play and protecting his back four. He picked up a booking for a cynical foul but it was a necessary one. Not the most glamorous role, but he did it effectively.

Edmond Tapsoba - 8.0: A fantastic all-around game. He scored a towering header to make it 2-0 and was a rock at the back. He made an error that led to a shot but he more than made up for it with his overall defensive work. His ability on the ball was also crucial for Leverkusen's style of play. A top display.

Midfielders

Jonas Hofmann - 8.0: He set the tone with his early goal, a smart finish that showed his attacking instincts. He was a constant threat throughout, linking up plays and creating a big chance for his teammates. A classy and intelligent performance from the German international. He made the game look easy.

Alejandro Grimaldo - 7.0: Provided the assist for Tapsoba's goal with a perfect delivery. He was a constant threat down the left flank, always available as an outlet. Defensively, he was solid enough before being substituted. He played his part in the first-half demolition perfectly.

Aleix García - 8.5: The conductor of the orchestra. He completely ran the show from midfield, with over 100 accurate passes. His range of passing was sublime, and he chipped in with an assist and two key passes. A midfield masterclass that laid the foundation for the victory. A joy to watch.

Ibrahim Maza - 6.5: Only played the first half but was neat and tidy in possession. He helped his team dominate the midfield battle before being tactically substituted at the break. A solid if unspectacular contribution to the win. He did his job without any fuss.

Forwards

Malik Tillman - 8.5: What a player. In just 64 minutes, he managed a goal and an assist. His goal was a superb strike from distance, and his creative play was a nightmare for the Wolfsburg defence. He was dynamic, skillful, and incredibly effective. His substitution was likely just to give him a rest.

Patrik Schick - 7.5: He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he played a crucial role. He led the line brilliantly, holding up the ball and bringing others into play. His physical presence caused problems all afternoon, and he capped his performance with an assist for Hofmann's goal. A selfless and effective shift.

Ernest Poku - 6.5: A frustrating day for the young attacker. He got into great positions but was wasteful, missing a big chance. He looked lively and his pace was a threat, but his final product was lacking. A learning experience for him, for sure.

Manager

K. Hjulmand - 8.5: His tactical plan for the first half was a stroke of genius. He identified Wolfsburg's weaknesses and set his team up to exploit them ruthlessly. The decision to go for the kill early on paid off handsomely. He managed the game well in the second half, making subs to see out the win. A top-tier coaching performance.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match Goes to Mark Flekken