Patrik Schick equals Bayer Leverkusen scoring record with eighth Bundesliga goal of the season
Patrik Schick continued his outstanding start to the Bundesliga season on Matchday 9, scoring his eighth league goal of the campaign in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-1 Rhine derby victory over Cologne to equal a long-standing club record.
The Czech international struck in the 86th minute at the RheinEnergieSTADION, doubling Leverkusen's advantage after Aleix García had opened the scoring with a stunning early free kick.
Although Saïd El Mala pulled one back for the hosts in stoppage time, Schick’s effort ultimately proved decisive as Die Werkself returned to winning ways. The forward's latest strike also saw him write his name into the Leverkusen history books once again.
Watch: Cologne 1-2 Leverkusen - highlights
With eight goals after nine Bundesliga matchdays, Schick has equalled the club record for the most scored at this stage of a season. Remarkably, he had already achieved the feat himself during the 2021/22 campaign, while former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes is the only other player to have reached the milestone - doing so in 2008/09.
"This is the most important game for the fans, we didn't want to disappoint them again," Schick stated after the Cologne win. "In a short time we lost three games, so we wanted to pay them back for their support, and today we showed a serious performance. I think everyone is leaving here very happy."
Watch: Schick reflects on Cologne win
His performance against Cologne was another example of his attacking prowess. The striker was denied by Marvin Schwäbe early on and saw another effort brilliantly saved by the Cologne goalkeeper after the interval.
Schick also had a goal ruled out for handball in the closing stages, but he would not be denied for too much longer. Holding off Joël Schmied inside the penalty area, the Leverkusen No. 14 showed excellent composure to fire into the far corner and put his side 2-0 ahead.
The goal proved crucial, with El Mala’s late response ensuring a nervy finish for the visitors, who nevertheless held on to secure a sixth successive Bundesliga victory over their Rhine rivals.
With eight goals already to his name, Schick will now have turn his sights towards another major milestone as he currently sits on 98 Bundesliga goals. Given the 30-year-old's red-hot form, it is surely only a matter of time before he joins the prestigious 100-goal club alongside the likes of Gerd Müller and Robert Lewandowski.
