Bayer Leverkusen edge Borussia Dortmund in five-goal thriller
Patrik Schick struck twice as the Bundesliga resumed in scintillating fashion following the winter break, with Bayer Leverkusen edging a depleted Borussia Dortmund side 3-2 in the Matchday 16 opener.
Borussia Dortmund 2-3 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Tella 1' (assist: Andrich), 0-2 Schick 8' (assist: Hincapié), 1-2 Gittens (12'), 1-3 Schick 19' (assist: Frimpong), 2-3 Guirassy (pen. 79')
Xabi Alonso's side wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match. Nathan Tella sent shockwaves through the Dortmund faithful inside the opening minute, finding the net after just 25 seconds. The early goal set the tone for a frenetic opening period, with Leverkusen's high-pressing game causing havoc in the Dortmund defence. Schick then took centre stage, doubling the visitors' lead in the eighth minute with a clinical finish from close range.
The hosts, stunned by Leverkusen's explosive start, found a lifeline through Jamie Gittens. The young forward's 12th-minute strike breathed new life into Dortmund and the Signal Iduna Park. However, their joy was short-lived as Schick struck again in the 19th minute, restoring Leverkusen's two-goal cushion. Dortmund's defensive frailties were evident, with the makeshift backline struggling to contain Leverkusen's fluid attack.
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The second half saw a resurgent Dortmund push for a comeback. Nuri Şahin's men dominated possession and created several chances, but found Lukáš Hrádecký in inspired form. The breakthrough finally came in the 79th minute when Serhou Guirassy converted from the penalty spot, setting up a grandstand finish. Despite late pressure, Leverkusen's defence, marshalled by the impressive Edmond Tapsoba, held firm to secure a vital victory.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Dortmund 1.2 - Leverkusen 1.8
Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (B04), 35.39 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Nathan Tella (B04), 6 percent
Most pressed player: Jamie Gittens (BVB), 19 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Edmond Tapsoba (B04), +2.36
Fantasy Heroes: Patrik Schick (Leverkusen, 246 Points), Nathan Tella (Leverkusen, 218 Points), Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen, 216 Points)
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