Victory against Leipzig: Bayer makes the premier class race exciting

Bayer Leverkusen have postponed RB Leipzig's return to the Champions League and significantly improved their own chances of a place in the top flight. The 4:1 (2:0) victory in the top game of the 32nd matchday in the Bundesliga saw the Werkself move past rivals VfB Stuttgart and TSG Hoffenheim in fourth place with 58 points thanks to their better goal difference.

In front of 30,210 spectators, the outstanding Patrik Schick (25th/76th/89th minute) and Nathan Tella (45th) scored the Bayer goals. Christoph Baumgartner (80) scored for Leipzig, who remain third in the table with 62 points and can book their place in the top flight next Saturday with a win at home to FC St. Pauli.

Although David Raum was back in the Leipzig squad, RB coach Ole Werner decided not to play the international. "We've always spoken in the last few days and made the final decision this morning," reported Werner. Leverkusen's regular goalkeeper Mark Flekken returned to the posts.

RB miss their first chances

Before kick-off, Bayer coach Kasper Hjulmand had registered the 3-3 draw between Hoffenheim and Stuttgart with great interest. "Of course I saw that. Hopefully that will give us a boost. Of course we have to chase fourth place. We're fresh, we're ready," said Hjulmand with an eye on the rivals in the race for a Champions League place.

The Werkself started with corresponding motivation - and almost ran into an early counterattack in their attacking drive. Following a Schick shot, which RB defender Willi Orban just managed to block, things quickly went in the other direction. However, Romulo hammered the ball onto the outside of the net.

Although the home side were the more active team, the visitors initially had the better chances. When Romulo shot again, Aleix Garcia saved just off the line for Flekken, who was already beaten.

Bayer efficient before the break

Leverkusen were harmless near the penalty area for a long time - but still took the lead. After a quick kick from Flekken, the Leipzig defense was disorganized. Tella found himself free in front of RB goalkeeper Maarten Vandevoort and crossed for Schick, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner.

Six minutes later, the Czech could have extended the lead, but Leipzig's El-Chadaille Bitshiabu prevented the certain 2-0 with a strong save. But that was only postponed: Shortly before the break, Tella squirted in a cross from Aleix Garcia and finished with a direct shot.

The first chance after the break also belonged to the hosts. Schick again had a shot in the penalty area, but Vandevoordt was on hand. Leipzig tried hard but could not find a gap in the compact Bayer defense. Instead, Schick finally sealed the deal for Bayer with his second goal with a quarter of an hour remaining.

And Schick even went one better. It was the 30-year-old's 15th goal of the season and Hjulmand had already praised him before kick-off: "He's a great finisher."