Borussia Dortmund crash Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen farewell party to keep sights on UCL
Borussia Dortmund came from behind to deny Xabi Alonso and Jonathan Tah their fairytale farewells from the BayArena as the Black-and-Yellows kept their UEFA Champions League qualification dream alive with one more win.
Bayer Leverkusen 2-4 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Frimpong 31’ (assist: Wirtz), 1-1 Brandt 33’ (assist: Adeyemi), 1-2 Ryerson 43’ (assist: Groß), 1-3 Adeyemi 73‘ (assist: Brandt), 1-4 Guirassy 77‘ (assist: Can), 4-2 Hofmann 90‘+2 (assist: Wirtz)
Eyeing a vital victory to keep pressure on fourth-placed Freiburg in the race for the top four, Dortmund looked to keep their focus as home coach Alonso and defender Tah received a rapturous ovation from the Leverkusen faithful in what would be the duo's last home game for Bayer 04.
Leverkusen's early dominance
It was Leverkusen started the match with real intent, however, dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Florian Wirtz was at the heart of the host's attacks, constantly finding pockets of space and threading passes through Dortmund's defence. It was to be a day when Dortmund's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was in inspired form, making several crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
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Goals galore
The deadlock was finally broken in the 31st minute when Frimpong found the back of the net, sending the BayArena into jubilant celebrations. Yet, Dortmund's response was swift and clinical. Just two minutes later, Julian Brandt equalised against his former club, silencing the home crowd. The visitors then took the lead in the 43rd minute as Julian Ryerson fired home to give BVB a 2-1 lead at half-time.
Dortmund's clinical second half
The second half saw Leverkusen push for an equaliser, but it was Dortmund who struck again. Adeyemi extended the visitors' lead in the 73rd minute with a well-taken finish. Four minutes later, Serhou Guirassy added Dortmund's fourth, effectively sealing the victory.
Despite Jonas Hofmann scoring a consolation goal for Leverkusen in stoppage time, it was too little too late for Alonso's men.
Player of the Match: Julian Brandt
Brandt was instrumental in Dortmund's victory, scoring the crucial equaliser and providing a constant threat throughout the match. His goal came at a pivotal moment, swinging the momentum in Borussia's favour. Brandt's vision and passing were key to his side's counter-attacking strategy, helping to unlock Leverkusen's defence on multiple occasions. His performance against his former club was a testament to his importance in Dortmund's push for Champions League qualification.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.21 - Dortmund 1.26
Fastest player: Frimpong (Leverkusen), 36.09 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Ryerson (Dortmund), 7 percent
Most pressed player: Wirtz (Leverkusen), 35 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Wirtz (Leverkusen), +2.91
Fantasy Heroes: Brandt (Dortmund, 329 Points), Kobel (Dortmund, 274 Points), Ryerson (Dortmund, 242 Points)
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