Werder Bremen produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen, despite being reduced to 10 men at the Weserstadion. The result leaves both sides still searching for their first Bundesliga win of the season.
Leverkusen made a dream start, capitalising on a mistake from 18-year-old debutant Karim Coulibaly. His misplaced pass allowed Nathan Tella to break down the wing and square for Patrik Schick, who calmly lifted the ball into an empty net.
Malik Tillman doubled the visitors’ advantage with a fine debut goal, chesting down a loose ball before rifling home from close range. Bremen hit back, however, when Axel Tape brought down Samuel Mbangula in the box and Romano Schmid converted from the spot to make it 2-1 at the break.
Ten Hag’s side regained control early in the second half, with Niklas Stark dismissed for a second booking after fouling Christian Kofane in the area. Schick made no mistake from 12 yards, restoring Leverkusen’s two-goal cushion.
But Bremen refused to fold. Substitute Isaac Schmidt exploited more defensive uncertainty, rounding a stranded Mark Flekken before slotting home to set up a tense finale.
The Weserstadion erupted in stoppage time when Coulibaly redeemed his earlier error, pouncing on a rebound off the crossbar to fire in the equaliser and rescue an improbable point.
For Ten Hag, the draw was a bitter blow as his team failed to see out the win against undermanned opposition. In contrast, Bremen coach Horst Steffen could take great pride in his side’s resilience and fighting spirit.
