Bayer 04 Leverkusen continued their excellent form by defeating SC Freiburg 5-1 at the BayArena on Saturday, securing their eighth consecutive victory across all competitions. The defending Bundesliga champions are now four points behind league leaders Bayern Munich as they go on winter break. This match showcased not just the team's skill but also the remarkable performance of their star striker, Patrik Schick, who scored four goals.
The stage was set for Xabi Alonso's men to respond after Bayern’s impressive win against RB Leipzig on Friday, and they did so emphatically. Schick kicked off the scoring shortly before halftime with a clever lob over Freiburg keeper Noah Atubolu after Florian Wirtz, who played incredibly well, laid it on for him. Wirtz himself managed to score and assist multiple times, including one goal and three assists for Schick's remarkable tally.
Early on, Freiburg showed some determination, aiming to enforce their strategy against the dominant Leverkusen squad. They managed to keep things tight defensively for much of the first half, even pushing back against Wirtz’s initial attempt to convert a penalty after Ritsu Doan’s foul. Atubolu made a stellar save to deny Wirtz, marking his third consecutive saved penalty.
After the break, Wirtz leveled the scoring with some skillful footwork to flick the ball inside the near post just six minutes after Schick opened the scoring. Freiburg's Vincenzo Grifo brought the match back to 2-1 moments later with an impressive strike, reminiscent of the team's potential. Yet any hopes of a comeback dwindled as Schick rapidly put the game beyond reach.
From the 67th to the 77th minutes, Schick scored three goals, each of them beautifully assisted by Wirtz. The first came from a Wirtz cross, and after Grifo hit the post attempting to rebound, Wirtz delivered again, setting up Schick for his second. The crowning achievement of Schick’s night was sealed when he completed his hat trick with a header from Alejandro Grimaldo’s corner.
Leverkusen’s offensive juggernaut, primarily fueled by Wirtz's creativity and Schick's finishing, reflected their strategic edge over Freiburg. Schick’s exuberance post-match was visible as he praised Wirtz, stating, "For a forward, it's a dream to have this player behind you." This match underlined the significance of teamwork and individual brilliance, both of which have been hallmark traits for this Bayer squad this season.
Leverkusen will now prepare to resume their league campaign against Borussia Dortmund on January 10, as they hope to continue this winning streak and contend for the title. Meanwhile, Freiburg will need to regroup, reflecting on their performance and how they can bounce back after this heavy defeat.
Overall, the match not only highlighted the standout performances of Schick and Wirtz but also the growing dominance of Bayer Leverkusen as they chase Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title.
