Bayer Leverkusen wrapped up a remarkable year in emphatic fashion, thrashing SC Freiburg 5-1 to conclude the domestic calendar with just a single loss.
Leverkusen dominated the first half, exerting relentless pressure on the visitors, who managed to hold firm for much of the period.
However, cracks began to show, and Florian Wirtz, as expected, became a thorn in Freiburg’s defense. His persistent efforts paid off when Ritsu Doan brought him down in the box, earning Leverkusen a penalty.
Wirtz stepped up to take it but was denied by Freiburg’s under-21 goalkeeper, Noah Atubolu.
Undeterred, Leverkusen pressed on, and Patrik Schick finally broke the deadlock just before the break, chipping the ball expertly over Atubolu to give the hosts a deserved 1-0 lead.
The second half picked up where the first left off, with Leverkusen in control. Wirtz dazzled once again in the 50th minute, weaving through Freiburg’s defense to double the advantage and seemingly put the game to bed. But Freiburg’s Vincenzo Grifo briefly reignited hope with a stunning long-range strike.
Despite the setback, Leverkusen remained composed and responded in style. Wirtz delivered a pinpoint cross in the 67th minute, finding Schick, who made no mistake in scoring his second and his 60th Bundesliga goal.
The Wirtz-Schick combination continued to torment Freiburg. A long ball found Wirtz, who laid it off to Schick, whose deflected shot found the net, completing his hat-trick.
Schick wasn’t done yet, sealing an unforgettable performance by heading in Alejandro Grimaldo’s corner for his fourth goal of the match.
While Bayern Munich made their own statement with a 5-1 win over RB Leipzig, Leverkusen’s commanding display was a fitting reminder that they are more than ready to challenge the Rekordmeister.
With a four-point gap to close, Die Werkself have shown they are prepared to go head-to-head in the pursuit of Bundesliga glory in the new year.
Leverkusen’s impressive finish to the year underscores their strong form, but the true test will come after the winter break.
Maintaining their momentum will be crucial, especially as opponents look to exploit Bayern’s vulnerabilities, potentially shaking up the title race.
