Bayer Leverkusen cemented their title ambitions with a convincing 2-0 victory over Holstein Kiel on February 22, 2025. The reigning champions showcased their prowess at Holstein-Stadion, inching closer to leaders Bayern Munich, now just five points behind.
Patrik Schick set the tone for the match early, putting Leverkusen on the scoreboard with his left-footed strike just nine minutes after kickoff. The setup came from Amine Adli, who skillfully maneuvered through two defenders before delivering the perfect cross. This marked Schick’s 15th goal of the Bundesliga season, reflecting the talent Leverkusen had sorely missed during their previous match against Bayern, where coach Xabi Alonso controversially left him on the bench.
Aside from Schick's brilliance, it was Amine Adli who truly shone against Kiel. After returning from injury just the week prior, following rehabilitation from a leg fracture, Adli not only assisted but also scored Leverkusen's second goal right before halftime. He deftly chipped the ball over Kiel's goalkeeper, Timon Weiner, capitalizing on another brilliant play by Florian Wirtz, who has steadily proven to be one of Leverkusen's most creative forces.
The match was largely dominated by Leverkusen, displaying relentless teamwork and structure. This victory also marked Xabi Alonso’s impressive 28th consecutive away game unbeaten, setting him atop the Bundesliga's all-time coach records. Each successful away game reinforces Alonso's capabilities to manage and inspire his team efficiently.
Leverkusen’s triumph was especially significant as it came just days before they are set to face Bayern again, this time in the Round of 16 of the Champions League on March 5 and 11. This upcoming clash takes on even more urgency now, as Leverkusen needs to maintain momentum against the dominant Bavarians, who currently sit at the top of the Bundesliga table with 55 points, following their impending match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, other matches on the same day saw Augsburg's Alexis Claude-Maurice steal the spotlight, netting three goals against Borussia Mönchengladbach to lead his team to victory. Mainz also secured a home win with a 2-0 finish against FC St. Pauli, helping them rise out of relegation woes.
With Leverkusen now standing firmly second on the Bundesliga table with 50 points, the next few fixtures, particularly against Bayern, will be pivotal. Fans eagerly anticipate how the team will fare after their notable win over Kiel and look forward to seeing if they can capitalize on this momentum as they advance toward the season's decisive months.
Bolstered by their recent performances, Leverkusen appears poised to challenge Bayern not only for domestic titles but within Europe as the Champions League approaches. The stakes continue to rise, ensuring excitement for players and fans alike.