Leverkusen get the better of Freiburg in five-goal thriller
Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen maintained their fine domestic form with a 3-2 win over SC Freiburg.
Die Werkself made a bright start to today's affair as they forged a lead inside 2 minutes of action. As has been the case all season, Alex Grimaldo left his prints on the move. The Spaniard found Wirtz who withstood Ginter and Höfler to pick out the bottom corner from 14 metres. Freiburg heads could have dropped but instead they restored parity in the 10th minute. Ritsu Dōan took on Hincapié to fire a low and precise shot inside Hradecký's near post.
The half swung back and forth in what was an extremely entertaining exhibition of attacking play. Afforded a rare start this afternoon, Adam Hložek thrusted his name into the spotlight on 40 minutes. His international compatriot Patrik Schick was kept at bay by Atubolu, but the rebound fell kindly and Hložek made no mistake.
Die Wekself extended their advantage inside 8 minutes as Schick turned scorer on this occasion. Jeramie Frimpong ripped down the right to cross for the striker who volleyed to the net in spectacular fashion. A brief VAR check followed but the goal stood and Xabi Alonso's side pocketed their 3-1 lead.
Janick Keitel managed to reduce the defecit for the Breisgauers in the 79th minute. Muslija threaded the perfect pass, and while the midfielder was denied by Hradecký first time of asking, the rebound fell in his favour. Die Werkself hung on to take another big step towards a coveted first Bundesliga title.