Patrik Schick scored his fourth goal in as many Bundesliga matches to lead Bayer Leverkusen to a 2-0 home victory over RB Leipzig on Sunday. The result moves Leverkusen into fifth place in the standings with seven points, while Leipzig remains without an away point this season, according to reports from Tagesspiegel and Yahoo Sports.
Schick Maintains Perfect Scoring Record in Leverkusen Win
Patrik Schick continued a streak of scoring in every league game this season, netting the opening goal in the 44th minute. The Czech striker volleyed home a cross from the left delivered by Miguel Gutiérrez, according to Yahoo Sports. Schick has now found the net in all four Bundesliga fixtures and the German Cup, with his only scoreless outing of the season occurring in a 2-0 Europa League win against Celje, Yahoo Sports reported.
Following the match, Schick told the streaming portal DAZN that while he felt he could have scored more, consistent scoring helps the team. He noted that the squad is improving step by step following a 2-2 draw in their previous match against Augsburg, per Yahoo Sports.
Tactical Shift and Second-Half Dominance
Despite the final score, RB Leipzig controlled much of the early play. The visitors created several opportunities, including an 8th-minute free kick from David Raum and a long-range effort from Ezechiel Banzuzi that was saved by Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken, according to Tagesspiegel.
Leipzig appeared to take the lead in the 34th minute when Christopher Nkunku scored, but the video assistant referee (VAR) nullified the goal because Romulo was marginally offside during the build-up, Yahoo Sports reported. Leverkusen responded with defensive discipline; goalkeeper Mark Flekken told Tagesspiegel that the team successfully implemented their plan, specifically citing effective counter-pressing and tactical fouling.
Leverkusen secured the win in the 58th minute. Miguel Gutiérrez scored the second goal after a clearance from Ridle Baku fell to his feet, according to Yahoo Sports. The match took place before a crowd of 29,573 spectators, per Tagesspiegel.
Injury Blow for Brajan Gruda and National Team Hopes
RB Leipzig suffered a significant setback when 22-year-old offensive player Brajan Gruda was forced off with an injury during the first half. Gruda, who was nominated for the national team by new Germany coach Jürgen Klopp, appeared to have abdominal muscle issues above the right hip, Tagesspiegel reported.
While the injury puts his immediate national team minutes in doubt, Leipzig coach Martín Demichelis stated he does not believe the injury is severe, according to Tagesspiegel.
Leipzig Struggles with Away Form and Mentality
The loss leaves RB Leipzig with six points and a continued struggle to find success on the road. Coach Martín Demichelis told DAZN that small details often decide football matches and that his side must become more consistent, per Tagesspiegel.
Leipzig captain David Raum echoed this sentiment, stating that the team conceded a “stupid goal” and lacked a certain “fighting spirit” or “dirtbag mentality” (Drecksack-Mentalität), according to Tagesspiegel. Raum noted that the squad is still young and must learn to fight back more effectively.
Tribute to Peter Hermann
The atmosphere at the stadium was marked by mourning before kickoff. Both teams observed a minute of silence for Peter Hermann, a longtime Leverkusen player, co- and interim trainer who passed away the previous evening, Tagesspiegel reported. Players wore black mourning ribbons, and fans displayed a banner reading, “A loyal soul of football – Rest in peace Peter Hermann.”
Bundesliga Standings and Wider Results
The victory elevates Bayer Leverkusen to fifth place. They have remained unbeaten in their last three games following an initial season loss to Elversberg, according to Yahoo Sports.
In other league action, promoted Paderborn earned their first victory and goals of the season with a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim.
Elsewhere, FC Schalke 04 played to a 0-0 draw against SV Elversberg. The match featured a first start for veteran forward Edin Džeko, who had a dangerous attempt blocked by Elversberg captain Lukas Pinckert, according to Yahoo Sports.
Borussia Dortmund currently leads the Bundesliga table with a maximum 12 points, holding a two-point lead over Bayern Munich and Freiburg as the league enters a three-week international break, Yahoo Sports reported.
The Bundesliga will resume following the international window. Check back for updated fixtures and team news.
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