Schick’s Brace Inspires Leverkusen to Crucial Victory
Bayer Leverkusen edged out Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a pulsating Bundesliga clash on Friday, narrowing the gap to league leaders Bayern Munich to just one point. Patrik Schick starred with a first-half double, as Dortmund, hit hard by injuries and illness, struggled to contain the visitors’ relentless attack.
The match, kicking off the Bundesliga’s return after the winter break, was shaped by Dortmund’s defensive woes. Key defenders Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Ramy Bensebaini were sidelined due to illness, leaving the hosts to field an inexperienced backline.
Leverkusen took advantage almost immediately, with Nathan Tella finding the net just 25 seconds in. The England-born Nigerian winger capitalized on a defensive error, curling a sublime shot into the top corner.
Schick Doubles the Lead, Dortmund Fight Back
Leverkusen’s early dominance continued when Schick tapped in Piero Hincapié’s low cross in the eighth minute, doubling their lead. However, Dortmund managed to respond through Jamie Gittens just four minutes later. The young winger chipped the ball into the net after a deflection from Robert Andrich fell into his path.
Despite Dortmund’s efforts to stabilize, Schick struck again in the 19th minute, guiding home a cross from the right flank to restore Leverkusen’s two-goal cushion. The Czech striker’s fine form has seen him score 11 goals in his last six league appearances.
Late Drama as Dortmund Push for an Equalizer
Dortmund’s problems deepened when VAR awarded Leverkusen a penalty in the second half. Serhou Guirassy converted with confidence, giving the home side a glimmer of hope with 11 minutes to go. However, Leverkusen’s resolute defense ensured they held on for their ninth consecutive victory in all competitions.
Dortmund head coach Nuri Şahin expressed frustration with his team’s defensive lapses. “Even with the situation we’re facing, I expect better defensive performances,” he remarked.
Focus on Leverkusen’s Title Charge
While Dortmund languish in mid-table after winning just one of their last five league matches, Leverkusen continue to gather momentum under Xabi Alonso. “We’re not focused on Bayern—we’re focused on ourselves,” said captain Granit Xhaka. The Spanish coach notably benched Florian Wirtz, citing an “internal issue,” but his decision didn’t hinder the team’s performance.
Leverkusen now await Bayern Munich’s clash with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, as the Bundesliga title race heats up. For Dortmund, a tough season continues as they risk slipping further down the standings.
