Bayer Leverkusen made a strong start to the year in their quest to defend the Bundesliga title, overcoming Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in an action-packed match on Friday. The victory was significant not only for the points earned but also for the boost it gave Leverkusen’s confidence, as they positioned themselves just one point behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen wasted no time, with Nathan Tella netting a goal just 25 seconds into the game. The visitors capitalized on their opportunities, scoring on their first three shots as Dortmund struggled with a makeshift lineup due to illness. The home side was missing six key players, including midfield stalwart Emre Can and defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton. This left them vulnerable, particularly in defense, where they fielded a largely inexperienced back four.
The match saw Patrik Schick shine for Leverkusen, scoring two goals and extending his remarkable tally to 11 goals in his last seven Bundesliga appearances. Coach Xabi Alonso praised Schick’s determination and the team’s fighting spirit, saying, “Winning here is extremely hard,” and expressing pride in the discipline displayed by his players throughout the match.
Dortmund, despite controlling 70% of possession, struggled defensively, which allowed Leverkusen to exploit gaps with effective counterattacks. Jamie Gittens managed to keep Dortmund competitive with an early goal, but the pressure mounted on Leverkusen towards the end when Serhou Guirassy converted a penalty awarded for a foul by Edmond Tapsoba.
With this victory, Leverkusen demonstrates resilience as they navigate their title defense, while Dortmund faces a challenging period with ongoing injury and illness issues. The outcome could see Dortmund drop further in the standings if other results do not go their way.
This match serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of squad depth and management in professional football, especially during times when injuries and illness affect a team’s performance. Leverkusen’s ability to secure points under pressure highlights their title aspirations as they aim to continue this winning momentum.