Leverkusen strikes three goals in the first 19 minutes against a struggling Borussia Dortmund.
Bayer Leverkusen continued their excellent form in the new year, delivering a stellar performance in their first match of 2025. Dominating Borussia Dortmund for most of the game, they secured a well-deserved victory. Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction with the team’s cohesive football and improvement on the pitch.
Bundesliga resumed on Friday after the winter break, and Leverkusen wasted no time in taking control. Within the first 19 minutes, Nathan Tella scored in the opening minute, followed by a Patrick Schick brace. Although Jamie Gittens and Youssoufa Moukoko pulled one goal back each for Dortmund, they never truly looked like mounting a comeback.
Despite missing six regular players due to illness, Dortmund struggled throughout. While they had more possession and shots on target, Leverkusen’s efficiency secured them a 3-2 victory over the defending champions.
Alonso was thrilled with the team’s confident performance, sharing his delight in the post-match press conference:
“We’re happy with the team’s performance and this victory. To come here and play this way shows we’re improving. It’s a great way to start the year.”
“We did the essential work at the start of the game and controlled it afterward,” he added.
Under the Spanish coach, Leverkusen had an extraordinary run last season, clinching the Bundesliga title for the first time. However, their title defense got off to a rocky start this season, with only four wins in their first 10 matches.
Since November 23, though, the team has been in red-hot form, winning five consecutive Bundesliga matches and ending the year with eight straight victories across all competitions. Continuing that momentum, they handed Dortmund their first league defeat of the season, solidifying their position in the title race.
With this crucial win, Leverkusen keeps the pressure on Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen now has 35 points from 16 matches, just one point behind league leaders Bayern, who have played one game less.
