Dortmund survive late Leverkusen fightback to claim 2–1 win | OneFootball

Leverkusen and Dortmund have produced many top games in recent years - and both teams went into this match after a great performance in the Champions League midweek. Who could come out on top and get closer to RB Leipzig in 2nd place in the Bundesliga?

Here is our full match report:

First half:

Leverkusen started the game strongly, controlling possession and creating the better openings early on. Poku had a huge chance from just seven metres out, but blasted the ball over the crossbar, while Hofmann narrowly missed with a powerful effort that went just wide.

Dortmund, meanwhile, relied on quick transitions and moments of individual brilliance. Felix Nmecha impressed with a brilliant solo run through midfield, prompting Lothar Matthäus on commentary to declare him “the best box-to-box midfielder in the Bundesliga currently.”

The breakthrough came against the run of play: Anselmino scored with a header, marking not only his first shot in the Bundesliga, but also his first-ever Bundesliga goal.

Dortmund went into halftime with a 1–0 lead, despite Leverkusen’s early dominance.

Second half:

Leverkusen controlled possession for much of the first 20 minutes of the second half, creating several promising opportunities. Poku and Schick both came close to levelling the score, but Dortmund’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm.

The visitors struck again to extend their lead thanks to a well-executed move: Sub Fabio Silva delivered a precise cross into the box, finding Karim Adeyemi, who headed it home to make it 2–0 for Dortmund. Dortmund at this point were winning a game that would also be a deserving draw.

Julian Brandt then nearly put the result beyond doubt with a free shot inside the box that went just wide.

Leverkusen responded by taking defensive risks, leaving fewer men at the back - and the gamble paid off in the 83rd minute: Maza delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and Kofane managed to get a touch in to score, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and setting up a thrilling final phase of the match!

But despite Leverkusen’s late pressure and resilience, Dortmund held on to secure the win. The victory not only earned them three crucial points, but also allowed them to leapfrog Leverkusen in the Bundesliga standings.

Final Result: Bayer Leverkusen 1–2 Borussia Dortmund