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Bayer Leverkusen 5-1 Freiburg: Patrik Schick Scores Four in Dominant Win
Bayer Leverkusen stormed to a 5-1 victory over Freiburg at the BayArena on Saturday, with Patrik Schick delivering a four-goal masterclass. Florian Wirtz also shone, providing three assists as Xabi Alonso’s side ended the year in style, maintaining their chase for Bundesliga glory.
1. Match Highlights
First Half: A Slow Burn
Leverkusen controlled the tempo from the start but found Freiburg’s defense difficult to breach:
- 33rd Minute – Wirtz Misses Penalty: Florian Wirtz’s penalty was saved by Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, keeping the game scoreless.
- 45+1 Minute – Schick Breaks Through: Patrik Schick lobbed Atubolu in first-half stoppage time to give Leverkusen a 1-0 lead.
Second Half: Leverkusen Run Riot
The second half saw Leverkusen shift into high gear:
- 51st Minute – Wirtz Doubles the Lead: Wirtz made up for his penalty miss with a close-range finish.
- 55th Minute – Freiburg Responds: Vincenzo Grifo’s strike gave Freiburg a glimmer of hope, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
- 67th Minute – Schick Strikes Again: Schick headed home Wirtz’s cross to make it 3-1.
- 74th Minute – Hat-Trick for Schick: The Czech striker completed his hat-trick with another assist from Wirtz.
- 77th Minute – Schick’s Fourth: A second header from Schick sealed a dominant 5-1 victory for Leverkusen.
2. Key Player Performances
Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| GK: Lukas Hradecky | 7.0/10 | Made key saves to deny Freiburg’s early efforts. |
| RB: Jeremie Frimpong | 7.5/10 | Energetic on the flank, contributing to both defense and attack. |
| CB: Jonathan Tah | 7.2/10 | Solid at the back, neutralizing Freiburg’s attacking threats. |
| CM: Exequiel Palacios | 7.8/10 | Controlled the midfield with excellent passing and defensive work. |
| CAM: Florian Wirtz | 9.5/10 | Registered three assists and scored a goal, dictating the game’s tempo. |
| ST: Patrik Schick | 10/10 | Player of the Match. Four goals and clinical finishing showcased his brilliance. |
Freiburg (4-4-2)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| GK: Noah Atubolu | 6.5/10 | Made some good saves but was overwhelmed by Leverkusen’s relentless attack. |
| RB: Lukas Kubler | 5.8/10 | Struggled to contain Wirtz and Schick on his flank. |
| CM: Nicolas Hofler | 6.0/10 | Worked hard defensively but was overrun by Leverkusen’s midfield. |
| LW: Vincenzo Grifo | 7.0/10 | Scored Freiburg’s only goal and showed flashes of creativity. |
| ST: Michael Gregoritsch | 5.5/10 | Failed to make an impact and was isolated up front. |
3. Tactical Analysis
Leverkusen’s Dominance
- Aerial Superiority: Schick’s headers exposed Freiburg’s defensive frailties.
- Midfield Masterclass: Palacios and Wirtz controlled the game, creating chances at will.
Freiburg’s Struggles
- Defensive Errors: Freiburg couldn’t cope with Leverkusen’s pace and precision.
- Limited Attack: Despite Grifo’s goal, Freiburg lacked the cutting edge to challenge Leverkusen.
4. Data Debrief
Leverkusen’s Winning Streak
- Five Straight Wins: This victory marked Leverkusen’s fifth consecutive Bundesliga win, their longest streak since April.
- Schick’s Scoring Form: Patrik Schick now has nine league goals this season, more than any of his teammates.
- Wirtz’s Playmaking Prowess: With seven assists this season, Wirtz leads the Bundesliga in assists.
5. Key Takeaways
Bayer Leverkusen
- Title Contenders: Leverkusen’s dominant form positions them as serious challengers to Bayern Munich.
- Star Performers: Schick and Wirtz are proving to be pivotal to Leverkusen’s success.
Freiburg
- Defensive Concerns: Freiburg must address their defensive vulnerabilities to remain competitive.
- Encouraging Signs: Grifo’s performance showed promise, but the team needs more support in attack.
6. What’s Next?
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen will look to maintain their momentum after the winter break as they continue their pursuit of Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
Freiburg
Freiburg must regroup and address their defensive issues to bounce back in their next fixtures.
FAQs
- Who scored for Bayer Leverkusen?
Patrik Schick scored four goals, and Florian Wirtz added one. - What was the final score?
Bayer Leverkusen defeated Freiburg 5-1. - Who was the Player of the Match?
Patrik Schick was named Player of the Match for his four-goal performance. - How did Florian Wirtz perform?
Wirtz scored one goal and provided three assists, showcasing his playmaking brilliance. - What’s next for Leverkusen?
Leverkusen will aim to maintain their strong form after the winter break.
