Bayer Leverkusen secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in the final Bundesliga Topspiel of 2025, capping a remarkable turnaround under coach Kasper Hjulmand. The win, achieved with a late goal from debutant Montrell Culbreath, lifted Leverkusen to third place heading into the winter break.
Leipzig took the lead through Xaver Schlager's fine finish from the edge of the area after 35 minutes. However, Leverkusen responded before half-time with a looping header from Martin Terrier and a brilliant solo goal from Patrik Schick, who weaved through the defence before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
The decisive moment came when 18-year-old Culbreath, making his debut, broke clear and fired high past Peter Gulacsi. The goal was subject to a VAR review after Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich handled the ball in his own area, but the referee eventually awarded the goal, sparking Leipzig protests.
Hjulmand took over in September after Erik ten Hag's disastrous start, which yielded just one point from two league games. Since then, Leverkusen have collected 28 points from 13 Bundesliga matches, also progressing in the Champions League and DFB Pokal. The win at Manchester City in the Champions League is seen as a turning point for the team's cohesion.
Despite missing several key players due to international duty, injury and suspension, Leverkusen found a way to win. Culbreath's goal was particularly ironic, as he had scored the first goal of the Ten Hag era in a pre-season friendly defeat. For Hjulmand and Leverkusen, however, the focus is firmly on a bright future.
