Leverkusen delay Bayern's party with routine win over Augsburg
Xabi Alonso had made four changes from the side that started the disappointing home draw against St. Pauli last time out. Meanwhile, Augsburg's Jess Thorup only had two switches from the win over Wolfsburg.
Samuel Essende was one of those changes as his physicality and direct approach gave the Bavarians a different outlook in the last couple of games. However, it was Leverkusen's striker Patrik Schick who struck first in the 13th minute.
The Czech international benefited from a fast break by the home side as he netted his 19th league goal of the season. Florian Wirtz quickly doubled their advantage before VAR chalked it off for an offside. It could've been the first goal by the sought-after midfielder since his return from injury.
Leverkusen did go into the half-time break with a two-goal advantage, however. Emiliano Buendía provided a fine finish for his second goal since joining the champions in winter's transfer market.
Meanwhile, Matej Kovář had a quiet game on his return to Leverkusen's XI. Augsburg improved in the final half hour, but it's a comfortable victory for Alonso’s side as they maintained the eight points difference with Bayern. Augsburg will still have a chance to push for Europe in the final three rounds of the season.
