Patrik Schick made headlines over the weekend as he scored four goals for Bayer Leverkusen, leading them to a commanding 5-1 victory over Freiburg. This remarkable performance not only solidified Leverkusen's position as second in the Bundesliga but also propelled Schick to become the highest-scoring Czech player in Bundesliga history with 62 goals, surpassing the previous record held by Jan Koller, who had 61 goals.
Schick's historic achievement came on December 21, 2023, during what has been dubbed 'a perfect night' for him and his team. The Czech international had entered the match needing only one goal to break Koller’s record, and he accomplished this feat with remarkable efficiency, scoring four times by the end of the match. Koller, now 51, was celebrated for his time at Borussia Dortmund and Nürnberg, where he not only scored goals but also set up his teammates with 31 assists during his Bundesliga career. Schick, though, has demonstrated his prowess by reaching his record tally with only 124 appearances, quite the impressive feat compared to Koller’s 152 matches.
The game kicked off with Leverkusen establishing their dominance early on, though they faced some resistance from Freiburg, who had been unbeaten for three league matches before this clash. A penalty awarded to Leverkusen after Ritsu Doan fouled Florian Wirtz was saved by Freiburg's goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, but it only delayed the inevitable. Schick opened the score just before halftime with a captivating lob, thanks to Wirtz's precise through ball. This goal was particularly significant as it marked not only the breaking of Koller’s record but also shifted the momentum firmly in favor of Leverkusen.
Wirtz himself soon made his mark on the game, capitalizing on the energy shift to double Leverkusen’s lead shortly after the break with a close-range finish. Freiburg managed to respond through Vincenzo Grifo, who scored with just 10 minutes played in the second half, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Yet, Schick was determined not to let this unsettle his team. He restored Leverkusen’s two-goal cushion with another headed goal from another Wirtz assist. Schick displayed exceptional positioning and aerial prowess as he found himself perfectly placed to convert Wirtz's precise cross.
Schick then completed his hat-trick shortly thereafter, punishing Freiburg's defense for not clearing the ball adequately with another opportunistic strike from the edge of the area. Finally, Schick capped off his scoring spree by netting his fourth and final goal via another header, this time from a corner, sealing the victory for Leverkusen.
After the match, Schick commented on his performance, stating, "I scored four goals against (second-tier Greuther) Fürth once, and again today. It wasn't my best game, but of course, it's special to score four goals. But apart from it, I can still play much more than today." This humble reflection highlights Schick's desire to continue improving his game, even after such a stellar performance.
Bayer Leverkusen’s sporting director Simon Rolfes praised the team's persistence, noting, "We kept our composure and continued to play relentlessly, and that's a quality we have. We had to show our desire to win." This victory not only showcases the team’s capabilities but emphasizes their intent on challenging Bayern Munich, who currently sits four points clear at the top of the table. Leverkusen’s win over Freiburg marks their eighth consecutive victory across all competitions, showcasing their current form as they strive to compete for the league title.
Schick’s record-breaking night stands as another highlight of his distinguished career, which also saw him transitioning through clubs and roles to earn his place on the roster at Bayer Leverkusen, following his stint at RB Leipzig earlier. This latest accomplishment, combined with the team’s overall performance under coach Xabi Alonso, highlights the synergy developing within the squad and their potential for continued success.
With the season still young and many matches to go, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Schick can build on this remarkable achievement and continue to add to his goal tally, solidifying his status among the greats of Bundesliga history.
