bundesliga

Patrik Schick scores four as Bayer Leverkusen thrash Freiburg in five-star performance

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Patrik Schick scored four goals as defending champions Bayer Leverkusen kept up their pursuit of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich with a commanding 5-1 win over Freiburg.

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Bayer Leverkusen 5-1 Freiburg
Goals: 1-0 Schick 45’+1 (assist: Wirtz), 2-0 Wirtz 51‘ (assist: Palacios), 2-1 Grifo 55‘ (assist: Gregoritsch), 3-1 Schick 67‘ (assist: Wirtz), 4-1 Schick 74‘ (assist: Wirtz), 5-1 Schick 77‘ (assist: Grimaldo)

Both teams entered the match in good form, with Leverkusen still unbeaten away from home in 2024 and Freiburg on a three-game unbeaten run. Julian Schuster's Freiburg side came into the match hoping to continue their positive momentum. The match began with a solemn moment as players and fans observed a minute's silence for the victims of the recent attack in Magdeburg.

Players from both teams stand united in a minute's silence, paying respect to the victims of the Magdeburg attack before kick-off. - Christof Koepsel

First half: Leverkusen dominate, Schick breaks the deadlock

The first half saw Leverkusen assert their dominance, controlling possession and creating several chances. However, Freiburg's defence held firm, with goalkeeper Noah Atubolu making a crucial save in the 33rd minute when he denied Florian Wirtz from the penalty spot. Freiburg had their moments too, with Philipp Lienhart hitting the crossbar in the 11th minute. The breakthrough finally came in stoppage time of the first half, as Schick latched onto a pass from Wirtz and delicately chipped the ball over Atubolu to give Leverkusen a 1-0 lead at the break.

Watch: Xhaka: "We're very happy we have Wirtz and Schick"

Second half: Leverkusen run riot

The floodgates opened in the second half as Leverkusen showcased their attacking prowess. Wirtz made amends for his earlier penalty miss by doubling the lead in the 51st minute with a clinical finish, assisted by Exequiel Palacios. Although Vincenzo Grifo pulled one back for Freiburg just four minutes later, it proved to be merely a consolation. Schick then took centre stage, completing a remarkable hat-trick between the 67th and 74th minutes, with Wirtz providing two more assists. Schick added his fourth in the 77th minute, heading home a cross from Alejandro Grimaldo to cap off an extraordinary individual performance.

Player of the Match: Patrik Schick

Schick delivered a masterclass in finishing, netting four times to lead Leverkusen to victory. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his clinical ability with both feet and his head. Schick's first goal demonstrated his composure, while his subsequent strikes in the second half highlighted his predatory instincts and positional awareness. Wirtz's contribution with three assists and a goal was also crucial to Leverkusen's dominant display and made him an elligible candidate, but Schick's four goals gave him the edge.

Watch: Schick: "I'm like Santa before Christmas - delivering the presents!" 

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.89 - Freiburg 0.68
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), 35.35 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg), 5.75 percent
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), 32 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Exequiel Palacios (Leverkusen), +7.86

Fantasy Heroes: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, 561 Points), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen, 524 Points), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen, 279 Points)