Patrik Schick gives Bayer Leverkusen crucial win at rivals Cologne
Bayer Leverkusen edged Cologne in the Rhine derby thanks to Patrick Schick’s brace, meaning the Werkself keep pace in the race for the UEFA Champions League despite Luca Waldschmidt’s late strike in an enthralling encounter.
Cologne 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Goals: 0-1 Shick 43’ (pen), 0-2 Schick 52’ (assist: Tella), 1-2 Waldschmidt 77’ (assist: El Mala)
The Rhine derby between Cologne and Leverkusen carried significant importance for both sides. Heading into the match, the Billy Goats were enjoying their best run of form in over three years, unbeaten in five Bundesliga matches. This streak had helped René Wagner's side build a five-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, were looking to bounce back after their seven-match unbeaten run was halted by a surprise defeat to Augsburg, dealing a blow to their Champions League aspirations. The visitors arrived at the RheinEnergieStadion having won their previous four competitive matches against Cologne.
El Mala frustration as Schick breaks deadlock
The hosts started brightly with Saïd El Mala and Jakub Kamiński both threatening in the opening minutes. Cologne continued to press, with El Mala's shot in the ninth minute stinging the palms of Janis Blaswich.
Against the run of play, Schick nearly opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he struck the left post after an error from Eric Martel.
The pivotal moment came in the 36th minute when El Mala rounded Blaswich only to hit the post with the goal at his mercy. This miss proved costly as Leverkusen were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute when Martel handled the ball. Schick stepped up and confidently converted to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Schick doubles lead before Waldschmidt response
Cologne continued to press after the restart with El Mala again denied by Blaswich in the 49th minute and Kamiński seeing his effort saved shortly after. Despite the hosts' pressure, Leverkusen struck on the counter-attack in the 52nd minute when Nathan Tella broke down the left and crossed for Schick, who finished clinically to double his side's advantage.
Both managers turned to their benches with multiple changes around the 70-minute mark, with Luca Waldschmidt coming on for Cologne. The substitute made an immediate impact, scoring in the 77th minute after El Mala's persistence in the box created the opening.
The goal set up a tense finale with the hosts pushing for an equaliser, but Blaswich and the Leverkusen defence held firm to secure a crucial 2-1 victory.
Man of the Match: Patrik Schick
The Czech striker was the difference-maker for Leverkusen, continuing his remarkable scoring record against Cologne. Schick showed nerves of steel to convert the first-half penalty and displayed his predatory instincts to finish from Tella's cross for his second goal.
This brace extended his impressive run to six goals in his last five Bundesliga outings and took his career tally against the Billy Goats to seven goals in eight matches. His clinical finishing proved decisive in a match where Cologne created numerous chances but lacked the same cutting edge.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Cologne 2.67 - Leverkusen 2.02
Fastest player: Saïd El Mala (Cologne), 35.2 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-2 by Luca Waldschmidt (Cologne), 25.86 percent
Most pressed player: Saïd El Mala (Cologne), 17 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Aleix García (Leverkusen), +3.63
Fantasy Heroes: Patrik Schick (Leverkusen, 308 Points), Saïd El Mala (Cologne, 271 Points), Janis Blaswich (Leverkusen, 277 Points)
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