Berlin, Jan 11 (NationPress) The second-placed Bayer Leverkusen narrowed the gap on leaders Bayern Munich after overcoming Borussia Dortmund with a score of 3-2 in the 16th round of the Bundesliga on Friday.
The Werkself wasted no time in taking the lead, breaking the deadlock within a minute when Dortmund failed to clear the ball from the area. This allowed Robert Andrich to assist Nathan Tella, who struck into the top left corner from the edge of the box, as reported by Xinhua.
Leverkusen increased its advantage seven minutes later when Piero Hincapie delivered a square pass to the far post, finding Patrik Schick, who finished from close range.
Dortmund responded in the 12th minute, as a failed clearance by Andrich let Jamie Gittens chip the ball over the advancing Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
The defending champions regained their two-goal cushion in the 19th minute when Schick connected with Jeremie Frimpong’s cutback to score from close range.
After the break, Leverkusen had a chance to extend its lead, but Schick was unable to beat Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from inside the box at the hour mark.
The home side's missed opportunities came back to haunt them in the 79th minute when VAR awarded Dortmund a penalty. Serhou Guirassy took the responsibility and sent Hradecky the wrong way.
Leverkusen maintained their composure afterwards, securing the victory, which brings them within a point of Bayern. Dortmund, meanwhile, remains in sixth place after enduring its fifth defeat of the season.
“I put in hard work every day and was prepared when the opportunities came. I’m glad I could contribute with two goals,” remarked Schick.
“Leverkusen displayed their quality through their goals, but we also share the blame for conceding. We aim to learn from this match and strive for victory in the next one,” stated Dortmund captain Julian Brandt.
