Bayer Leverkusen missed the hoped-for liberation in the Bundesliga after beating VfL Wolfsburg 2-2 (1-1).

In front of 26,294 spectators on Saturday, coach Xabi Alonso's team put in a good attacking performance at times, scoring through Moussa Diaby (17') and Jeremie Frimpong (76').

Before the extremely important Champions League game on Wednesday (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Champions League and on DAZN) at Atletico Madrid, Bayer again revealed major weaknesses on the defensive with Robert Andrich’s own goal (28th) and the converted penalty kick by Maximilian Arnold (54th).

Leverkusen remain in 14th place with just nine points, two points behind Wolfsburg in 13th place.

The "intensive week of training" praised by Alonso without a trophy was effective, even if Bayer initially demonstrated their own insecurity: Diaby pushed a hand penalty well past the goal (11').

A cross from the Frenchman had previously gone to the hand of the falling Micky van de Ven.

Improved Offense

After that, however, Alonso's eleven showed a different face and moves that seemed almost forgotten.

Wolfsburg's goalkeeper Koen Casteels first made a brilliant save against Frimpong (14').

Four minutes later the Belgian was powerless too.

After a perfect pass from Adam Hlozek, Diaby jumped at the chance and shot Casteels through the legs to make it 1-0.

"We have to get better in all areas," Alonso had demanded before the match.

At least the offensive looked promising even without the ailing Patrik Schick.

As with the 1: 5 debacle in Frankfurt, the defensive once again showed its well-known weaknesses and inattention.

The Bayer 04 defense was unable to control a cross from Wolfsburg's Ridle Baku.

Andrich wanted to clarify, but shot past the powerless Lukas Hradecky into his own goal (28').

The Wolfsburg pros, who caused trouble on Friday when they arrived on the train, sometimes without masks, scored without a single shot on goal.

The guests from former Bayer professional Niko Kovac had the fast Bayer offensive players around Diaby better under control after the break.

Then Leverkusen's defense helped again.

Edmond Tapsoba caught Felix Nmecha's foot in the penalty area.

Captain Arnold confidently converted the penalty due (54th).

Alonso brought new forces to the field.

For a long time, his team played too awkwardly and without ideas against cleverly defending Wolfsburg.

An individual performance by Daley Sinkgraven, who had been substituted before, still ensured the point: The Dutchman prevailed in the VfL penalty area, Frimpong converted his pass to the far post from close range to make it 2-2 (76th) - and at least gave Bayer some confidence for the game at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.