Bayer Leverkusen delivered a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, edging closer to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich. This crucial win, fueled by Patrik Schick’s brace and Nathan Tella’s early strike, showcased Leverkusen’s resilience and tactical brilliance under Xabi Alonso. With this result, Leverkusen now trails Bayern by just one point, reigniting their title defense hopes.
FULL-TIME: 🟡 Dortmund 2-3 Leverkusen 🔴#Bundesliga #BVB #BayerLeverkusen #Bayer04 #BVBB04 pic.twitter.com/639YkZ7RAO
— Match Spoots (@matchspoots) January 10, 2025
A Frenetic Start at Signal Iduna Park
The match began explosively as Nathan Tella opened the scoring for Leverkusen just 25 seconds into the game. This early goal set the tone for a high-octane encounter. Patrik Schick doubled the lead in the 8th minute with a clinical finish, capitalizing on Dortmund’s makeshift defense. Despite Jamie Gittens pulling one back for Dortmund in the 12th minute, Schick struck again in the 19th minute to restore Leverkusen’s two-goal advantage.
Dortmund, missing key players due to illness and injuries, struggled to contain Leverkusen’s swift counterattacks. The absence of defenders like Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can left gaps that Schick and Tella exploited brilliantly.
Dortmund’s Fightback Falls Short
The second half saw Dortmund dominate possession but fail to convert chances into goals. A lifeline came in the 79th minute when Serhou Guirassy converted a penalty after Edmond Tapsoba’s foul. Despite late pressure, Leverkusen’s defense, led by Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié, held firm to secure the win.
This defeat marked Dortmund’s first home loss of the season, leaving them sixth in the table with 25 points. Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s sixth consecutive league win keeps them firmly in the title race.
Key Players and Tactical Brilliance
Patrik Schick was the standout performer, netting his 11th league goal of the season. His ability to exploit Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities was pivotal. Nathan Tella’s early goal also highlighted Leverkusen’s aggressive approach under Xabi Alonso, who outmaneuvered his former Real Madrid teammate Nuri Sahin.
Dortmund’s Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy showed glimpses of quality, but the team’s lack of defensive stability proved costly. The hosts’ 70% possession was rendered ineffective by Leverkusen’s disciplined counterattacking strategy.
What This Means for the Bundesliga Title Race
Leverkusen’s victory not only narrows the gap on Bayern Munich but also sends a strong message to their rivals. With 35 points from 16 games, Leverkusen remains a serious contender for the title. Bayern, however, will face Borussia Mönchengladbach next, offering Leverkusen a chance to further close the gap.
For Dortmund, this loss underscores the need to address defensive issues and regain consistency. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to challenge Bayern’s dominance, making the Bundesliga title race one of the most exciting in recent years.
