In a pulsating Bundesliga clash on Friday night, Patrik Schick’s first-half brace inspired Bayer Leverkusen to a narrow 3-2 win over a flu-hit Borussia Dortmund. The victory not only extended Leverkusen’s winning streak to nine games in all competitions but also reduced their deficit to league leaders Bayern Munich to just one point.
The match, marking the Bundesliga’s return after the winter break, highlighted Leverkusen’s attacking brilliance and Dortmund’s struggles, exacerbated by injuries and illness in their defensive ranks.
Dortmund’s Crisis: A Mountain to Climb Before Kickoff
Already grappling with an injury-ridden squad, Borussia Dortmund faced a fresh setback just hours before the match when illness sidelined key defensive players. Centre-backs Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, along with left-back Ramy Bensebaini, were ruled out, leaving the team’s defence alarmingly thin.
This forced coach Nuri Sahin to field an inexperienced backline, including youngsters Almugera Kabar and Yannik Luehrs. Adding to the turmoil, wing-backs Pascal Gross and Bensebaini were also unavailable, compounding Dortmund’s defensive frailties.
The lack of cohesion and experience in Dortmund’s makeshift defence became evident almost immediately, with Leverkusen exploiting the vulnerabilities right from the start.
First-Half Fireworks: Leverkusen’s Early Onslaught
Leverkusen wasted no time asserting their dominance, striking within 25 seconds of the opening whistle. Nathan Tella, the England-born Nigeria winger, capitalized on a defensive error, unleashing a stunning shot into the top corner. The goal set the tone for the visitors, who pressed Dortmund relentlessly and punished their lack of composure at the back.
Just seven minutes later, Leverkusen doubled their lead. Piero Hincapie delivered a precise low cross that found Patrik Schick, who tapped the ball into the net with clinical precision. The early 2-0 advantage showcased Leverkusen’s intent to dominate and underscored Dortmund’s defensive struggles.
Dortmund’s Response and Gittens’ Strike
Despite the setback, Dortmund showed resilience and clawed their way back into the match in the 12th minute. A mix-up in the Leverkusen defence saw Robert Andrich inadvertently poke the ball into Jamie Gittens’ path. The young English winger kept his composure and chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, giving the home side a glimmer of hope.
However, Leverkusen responded almost immediately. In the 19th minute, Schick struck again, converting a cross from the right to restore his side’s two-goal cushion. His second goal showcased his poacher’s instinct and underlined why he has been in red-hot form, netting 11 goals in his past six league appearances.
Dortmund’s Fightback Falls Short
Dortmund continued to press forward in the second half, searching for a way back into the game. However, Leverkusen’s defence, marshaled effectively by Jonathan Tah and Edmond Tapsoba, held firm. Despite their defensive frailties, Dortmund’s makeshift backline managed to prevent further damage in the second half.
The hosts were handed a lifeline in the 79th minute when VAR awarded them a penalty for a foul in the box. Serhou Guirassy stepped up and converted the spot-kick with aplomb, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and reigniting hope for an unlikely comeback.
However, Leverkusen’s discipline and resilience saw them weather Dortmund’s late surge, securing a hard-fought victory at Signal Iduna Park.
Patrik Schick: The Man of the Moment
Patrik Schick’s brace was the defining factor in Leverkusen’s win. The Czech international has been in scintillating form, scoring 11 goals in his last six league outings. Starting the season behind Victor Boniface in the pecking order, Schick has worked tirelessly to earn his place in the starting XI, and his recent performances reflect his determination.
“I work hard every day. I was, of course, ready when the chance came,” Schick said after the match. “I want to give the max for the team, and I’m happy I could help out with a couple of goals.”
Schick’s resurgence has been a significant boost for Leverkusen, adding firepower to an already potent attack.
Leverkusen’s Tactical Brilliance
Leverkusen’s win highlighted their tactical flexibility and attacking prowess. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, the team has become a well-oiled machine, capable of adapting to different challenges. Alonso’s decision to bench in-form midfielder Florian Wirtz due to an “internal issue” showcased his willingness to prioritize team dynamics over individual form.
The pressing game deployed by Leverkusen early in the match unsettled Dortmund, forcing errors and creating scoring opportunities. Players like Tella and Hincapie played pivotal roles in executing Alonso’s game plan to perfection.
Granit Xhaka, speaking after the match, emphasized the team’s focus on themselves rather than their competition. “I’ll be honest, we’re not looking at Bayern. We’re focused on ourselves, and we’re on the right track,” the midfielder told DAZN.
Dortmund’s Struggles Continue
For Borussia Dortmund, the defeat marked their fourth loss in five Bundesliga matches, leaving them in a precarious position in the league table. Last season’s Champions League finalists have struggled to replicate their form, with injuries and inconsistent performances hampering their progress.
Coach Nuri Sahin expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive lapses, saying, “I expect my lads to defend better than that, even with the situation we have in defence.”
Despite the loss, there were positives for Dortmund, including the performances of young players like Gittens and Guirassy. However, the team’s inability to maintain defensive solidity remains a major concern.
Leverkusen’s Nine-Game Winning Streak
Leverkusen’s victory against Dortmund extended their winning streak to nine matches across all competitions, underscoring their status as genuine title contenders. With just one point separating them from Bayern Munich, the team is well-positioned to challenge for the Bundesliga crown.
The Road Ahead
For Leverkusen
Leverkusen will aim to maintain their momentum as they look to dethrone Bayern Munich at the top of the table. With players like Schick, Tella, and Xhaka in top form, coupled with Alonso’s tactical acumen, the team has all the ingredients to mount a serious title challenge.
For Dortmund
Dortmund’s immediate focus will be on addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and regaining consistency. With key players returning from injury and illness in the coming weeks, the team will hope to turn their season around and climb back into contention for a top-four finish.
Conclusion
Patrik Schick’s stellar performance and Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking brilliance proved too much for a depleted Borussia Dortmund side in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. While Leverkusen continues to build momentum and challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title, Dortmund faces an uphill battle to revive their faltering campaign.
The match not only showcased the resilience and tactical nous of Xabi Alonso’s side but also highlighted the growing importance of players like Schick, who have the ability to turn games on their own. As the Bundesliga season unfolds, all eyes will be on Leverkusen’s pursuit of glory and Dortmund’s quest for redemption.
