Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen: Schick Double Hands Hosts First Home Defeat

Bayer Leverkusen secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Friday, moving within one point of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. Patrik Schick’s two goals powered Leverkusen to their sixth consecutive league win, while Dortmund suffered their first home defeat of the campaign.

Match Recap

Blistering Start from Leverkusen

Leverkusen came out firing, with Nathan Tella opening the scoring just 25 seconds into the game after a high press forced Dortmund into an early mistake. It was the fastest Bundesliga goal for Leverkusen this season.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 8th minute when Patrik Schick finished off a clinical counter-attack, sliding the ball home from close range.

Dortmund’s Response

Despite missing several key players due to injury and illness, Dortmund managed to pull one back through Jamie Gittens in the 12th minute, briefly halting Leverkusen’s momentum.

However, Schick struck again in the 19th minute, finishing brilliantly at the far post after another swift Leverkusen break, restoring the two-goal advantage.

Late Drama

Dortmund fought hard in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Edmond Tapsoba fouled Julien Duranville in the box. After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded, and Serhou Guirassy converted with confidence to make it 3-2.

Despite intense late pressure from Dortmund, Leverkusen held firm to secure a vital win.

Key Statistics

• Leverkusen’s Early Blitz:
  Leverkusen scored three goals in the opening 19 minutes, marking the first time they achieved such a feat in an away Bundesliga match since March 2000 (9-1 vs. Ulm).
• Schick’s Red-Hot Form:
  Patrik Schick has now scored 11 goals in his last six Bundesliga appearances, cementing his status as one of the league’s most in-form players.
• Dortmund’s Uncharacteristic Start:
  Dortmund lost their first match of a calendar year for the first time since 2004 (previously W15 D5).

What’s Next?

• Leverkusen:
  Adi Hütter’s side will look to maintain their momentum as they continue to chase Bayern Munich at the top of the table.
• Dortmund:
  Nuri Sahin’s team remains inconsistent, having yet to win back-to-back league matches under his leadership. They must regroup quickly to stay in contention for a top-four finish.

Player of the Match: Patrik Schick

The Czech forward delivered a clinical performance, scoring twice and proving instrumental in Leverkusen’s victory.

Leverkusen’s win sets the tone for an exciting second half of the Bundesliga season, with the title race heating up as Bayern Munich prepare to face Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.