Bayer Leverkusen continued their impressive home form with a 3-1 victory over Hoffenheim on Sunday, securing their sixth consecutive Bundesliga home win. Goals from Victor Boniface, Jeremie Frimpong, and Patrik Schick helped Xabi Alonso’s side bounce back after last week’s disappointing draw against RB Leipzig.
⚽ Match Summary
Leverkusen wasted no time asserting their dominance at the BayArena, scoring twice within the first 20 minutes. Despite a red card for Álex Grimaldo early in the second half, the German champions managed to hold off a late Hoffenheim surge, maintaining their momentum in the Bundesliga title race.
🚀 Key Moments
- 15’ – Goal! (Boniface 1-0): Returning from injury, Victor Boniface met Grimaldo’s precise cross at the far post, firing past Luca Philipp to give Leverkusen the lead.
- 19’ – Goal! (Frimpong 2-0): Just four minutes later, Jeremie Frimpong latched onto Aleix García’s through ball, coolly slotting into the far-bottom corner.
- 51’ – Goal! (Schick 3-0): After a save from Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Buendía’s rebound fell kindly for Patrik Schick, who smashed it into the top-right corner.
- 60’ – Red Card! (Grimaldo): A second yellow for Álex Grimaldo after a foul on Marius Butler reduced Leverkusen to ten men.
- 62’ – Goal! (Orban 3-1): Super-sub Gift Orban made an immediate impact, pulling one back for Hoffenheim just seconds after coming on.
📊 Match Stats
- Possession: Leverkusen 58% | Hoffenheim 42%
- Shots: Leverkusen 14 (7 on target) | Hoffenheim 11 (5 on target)
- Pass Accuracy: Leverkusen 87% | Hoffenheim 84%
- Corners: Leverkusen 5 | Hoffenheim 4
- Fouls: Leverkusen 13 | Hoffenheim 10
⭐ Player of the Match: Patrik Schick (8.4/10)
Schick’s crucial third goal provided much-needed breathing space for Leverkusen after going down to ten men. His ability to consistently find the net has been vital, with 14 goals in his last 10 Bundesliga appearances.
📝 Team Performances
Bayer Leverkusen (4-3-3)
- Victor Boniface (8.1/10): A clinical finish on his return from injury.
- Jeremie Frimpong (7.8/10): Electric down the right flank with a well-taken goal.
- Patrik Schick (8.4/10): Provided the insurance goal, showcasing his lethal finishing ability.
- Álex Grimaldo (5.5/10): Assist for Boniface but let the team down with an unnecessary red card.
Hoffenheim (3-4-2-1)
- Gift Orban (7.5/10): Scored within a minute of coming on, offering hope for Hoffenheim.
- Marius Butler (6.9/10): Drew the foul that led to Grimaldo’s red card, a constant threat on the wing.
- Luca Philipp (6.0/10): Could have done better with Leverkusen’s first two goals.
📈 Data Debrief: Quick Starts Key for Leverkusen
- Fast Starters: Leverkusen have now scored a league-high 30 first-half goals this season.
- Home Fortress: This win marks their sixth consecutive Bundesliga home victory.
- Schick’s Hot Streak: The Czech striker has been involved in nine goals (6G, 3A) against Hoffenheim, his favorite Bundesliga opponent.
Despite playing with ten men for nearly 40 minutes, Xabi Alonso’s men showcased resilience and tactical discipline to secure all three points.
🔮 What’s Next?
- Bayer Leverkusen: Remain second in the Bundesliga, just six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
- Hoffenheim: Hover dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting 15th with only four points separating them from the drop.
Leverkusen will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue to chase down Bayern in the title race.
