Bayer Leverkusen Beats Borussia Dortmund 3-1

Bayer Leverkusen defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in a Bundesliga match that marked their return from the winter break, keeping up the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich. The game kicked off in dramatic fashion with Leverkusen taking the lead just 24 seconds in when Nathan Tella smashed a half-volley from the edge of the box past Dortmund’s goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel.

The visitors doubled their lead seven minutes later when Patrik Schick prodded a low Piero Hincapie cross past Kobel, making it 2-0. Dortmund, who had yet to lose a home league game this season, managed to respond through Jamie Gittens. The England Under-21 winger scooped the ball over Leverkusen keeper Lukas Hradecky after the hosts failed to clear their lines, bringing the score to 2-1 in the 11th minute. Gittens’ goal was his 10th of the season in all competitions.

However, Leverkusen restored their two-goal advantage shortly after with Schick scoring his second of the night. He latched onto a low ball from Jeremie Frimpong and fired it home at the far post, making it 3-1. Dortmund tried to mount a comeback and in the dying minutes, Serhou Guirassy scored from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined Edmond Tapsoba had handled the ball in the area.

Despite dominating possession with over 70% and creating more opportunities than Leverkusen, Dortmund could not find another goal. The victory left Bayer Leverkusen just one point behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga standings, though they have played one more game. Dortmund, on the other hand, remain in sixth place, 11 points adrift of the top spot.