This time, Bayer Leverkusen did not wait for money time to overcome their opponent or snatch a point from the draw to extend their incredible series of invincibility. Against Frankfurt, Xabi Alonso made eight changes in his starting lineup compared to the one who won three days earlier against AS Roma (2-0), in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals. But that doesn’t mean his team disappointed on Sunday. Quite the contrary.
She logically opened the scoring in the 12th minute thanks to a great strike from Granit Xhaka at the entrance to the penalty area, following a ball poorly cleared by the Frankfurt defense. But, against the run of play, the locals managed to get back together on their first opportunity thanks to a cross header from Hugo Ekitike (1-1, 32nd), author of his third goal in the last three matches. Well served by Farès Chaïbi, who delivered his sixth offering of the season in the Bundesliga.
48 matches without defeat
The former Parisian could even have turned into a decisive passer if Omar Marmoush had not lost his face-to-face. The champion’s sanction fell immediately, through Patrick Schick (2-1, 44th), who, with a powerful header, gave his team the advantage before the break.
Bayer made the break thanks to a penalty from Exel Palacios (3-1, 58th) after an unnecessary foul by Niels Nkounkou. At the conclusion of a magnificent collective movement, Jeremie Frimpong, who entered the game five minutes earlier, scored the visitors’ fourth goal (4-1, 77th) before Victor Boniface also took part in the celebration, from the penalty spot ( 5-1, 89th). A goal at the end of the match from the German champion was necessary for him to extend his unbeaten streak to 48 matches. Frankfurt maintains its sixth place, synonymous with European qualification.
