Trending
Bayer Leverkusen came from behind to defeat Freiburg 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Sunday, with Ibrahim Maza and Patrik Schick combining to secure an important victory.
After losing to promoted Elversberg in their season opener, Leverkusen have collected 13 points from their next six matches. They sit fourth in the standings, level on points with third-placed Freiburg but behind on goal difference.
Bayern Munich moved to the top of the table after thrashing RB Leipzig on Saturday. Freiburg will now prepare for a difficult trip to face the Bavarian giants next weekend.
Schick’s late winner also made him the first Leverkusen player to score in each of the opening six matches of a Bundesliga season.
“It was a lot of fun, especially against such a strong opponent. Huge respect to Freiburg, but we showed what we can do,” Algeria international Maza told DAZN.
He also praised his growing partnership with Schick.
“Schicky and I are building some pretty good chemistry. The more time we spend playing together, the better it’s getting. It’s going pretty well right now.”
Freiburg started confidently and took the lead after 14 minutes.
Right-back Philipp Treu set up Derry Scherhant with a clever flick during a counterattack, allowing the forward to put the visitors ahead.
Lazio Thrash Juventus 3-0 in Turin to Join Inter Milan at Serie A Summit
However, Leverkusen responded just five minutes later.
Schick exchanged a quick one-two with former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby before setting up Maza. The Algerian attacker finished powerfully to bring the hosts level.
Schick went close again after the hour mark but sent his effort over the crossbar.
The striker eventually found the breakthrough with 15 minutes remaining. Maza dribbled in from the right, evaded several defenders and delivered a precise pass into Schick’s path.
Schick calmly guided his shot into the net to complete Leverkusen’s comeback and secure all three points.
Freiburg coach Julian Schuster expressed frustration over the defeat but said his team could learn from the experience.
“It was completely unnecessary that we lost and dropped points here today,” he said.
“ But despite that, there’s plenty of positives to take out of it that will make us stronger and definitely help us,” he added.
Freiburg had entered the match in strong form and attracted attention from Germany coach Jurgen Klopp.
Earlier in October, Klopp called up four Freiburg players to the national squad for the first time. Two of those players combined for the opening goal against Leverkusen.
Freiburg will now look to recover before hosting Bayern Munich next Sunday.
Elsewhere, Borussia Moenchengladbach remained without a point this season after losing 2-1 at home to fellow strugglers Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim took the lead through Bambase Conte, who scored his second goal in two matches following a surprise call-up to Klopp’s Germany squad in October.
Gladbach responded shortly after half-time when Wael Mohya found the net.
However, Alexander Prass restored Hoffenheim’s advantage soon afterwards, securing just the visitors’ second win of the season.
Hoffenheim will next turn their attention to the Europa League, where they are scheduled to host Olympique Lyonnais on Thursday.
