LEVERKUSEN, Germany – Bayer Leverkusen solidified their position at the summit of the Bundesliga with a commanding 4-0 victory over VfL Bochum, courtesy of a stunning first-half hat-trick by striker Patrik Schick.
Leverkusen’s dominance in the match was epitomized by Patrik Schick’s exceptional performance. The Czech forward opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty in the 30th minute. He quickly doubled his tally two minutes later, finishing off a low cross from Jeremie Frimpong.
In stoppage time of the first half, Schick completed his hat-trick, heading in a corner from Alejandro Grimaldo. This marked a rapid three-goal surge within just 15 minutes.
The scoring spree didn’t end with Schick’s hat-trick. Substitute Victor Boniface added the fourth goal in the 69th minute, further cementing Leverkusen’s dominance in the game.
The win places Leverkusen firmly at the top of the Bundesliga table with 42 points, enjoying a four-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich, who have a game in hand. VfB Stuttgart trails behind in third place with 34 points.
This triumph sends Leverkusen into the winter break on a high note, maintaining their unbeaten run in the league. Their impressive performance sets a strong foundation for the second half of the season, which resumes on January 12.
Bayer Leverkusen’s emphatic win, led by Schick’s hat-trick, underlines their credentials as Bundesliga title contenders. Their ability to blend clinical finishing with cohesive teamwork makes them a formidable force in the league. For Bochum, the match serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in the Bundesliga, requiring strategic reassessment during the winter break.