Leverkusen Shocks Dortmund 3-2, Closes Gap on Bayern
Bayer Leverkusen delivered a thrilling performance to defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-2 on Friday, securing their sixth consecutive Bundesliga victory and moving within one point of league leaders Bayern Munich. Patrik Schick starred with two goals, as the champions started the year strong following the league’s three-week winter break.
A Lightning-Fast Start for Leverkusen
Leverkusen wasted no time asserting dominance at Signal Iduna Park, scoring just 25 seconds into the match. Nathan Tella capitalized on high pressing to slot the opener, catching Dortmund’s makeshift defense off-guard.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 8th minute through a clinical counterattack, with Schick sliding in to finish a well-executed team move. Although Dortmund briefly responded in the 12th minute when Jamie Gittens pulled one back, Schick restored Leverkusen’s two-goal cushion in the 19th minute, finishing sharply at the far post after another swift break.
Schick’s Scoring Streak Continues
The Czech international’s brace took his tally to 11 league goals this season, following his four-goal performance against Freiburg in December. His finishing prowess proved vital as Leverkusen dismantled Dortmund’s patched-up backline.
Dortmund’s Defensive Woes
Dortmund, forced to field a makeshift defense due to flu and injuries, struggled throughout the match. Key players, including Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Ramy Bensebaini, Nico Schlotterbeck, and long-term absentee Niklas Süle, were unavailable. The absence of defensive stability was evident as Leverkusen exploited gaps with relentless pace and precision.
Despite their challenges, Dortmund clawed back into contention in the second half when Serhou Guirassy converted a penalty in the 79th minute. However, Leverkusen’s backline, led by Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié, held firm under late pressure to secure the win.
Implications for the Bundesliga Table
The victory elevates Leverkusen to 35 points, just one behind Bayern Munich, who face Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday. Dortmund, meanwhile, suffered their first home defeat of the season, leaving them in sixth place with 25 points, 10 points adrift of the leaders.
Leverkusen’s stellar form and Schick’s scoring streak have set the stage for an intense title race, while Dortmund must regroup quickly to stay in contention for a European spot.
