Bayer Leverkusen produced arguably their most complete performance of the season, dismantling direct rivals RB Leipzig 4–1 in a high-stakes clash for a UEFA Champions League spot. From the opening whistle, Kasper Hjulmand’s side imposed themselves with relentless intensity, dominating possession and dictating the tempo throughout.

The breakthrough came via Patrik Schick, who finished off a superbly crafted move initiated by goalkeeper Mark Flekken’s quick distribution. The early goal set the tone, and before halftime Nathan Tella doubled the lead, converting a perfectly weighted assist from Aleix García.

RB Leipzig showed signs of life after the interval, pulling one back through Christoph Baumgartner. However, the night ultimately belonged to Patrik Schick. The Czech striker delivered a clinical masterclass, completing a stunning hat-trick with two composed finishes late in the game.

2025-26, Germany - Bundesliga

Bayer 04 - RB Leipzig 4:1 (2:0)
Goals: Schick, 25 (1:0); Tella, 45 (2:0); Schick, 76 (3:0); Baumgartner, 80 (3:1); Schick, 89 (4:1)

Bayer 04: Flekken; Quansah; Tapsoba E.; Grimaldo; Andrich; Tella (Poku E., 78); Aleix Garcia (Fernández Ez., 85); Palacios Ex.; Maza (Tillman M., 85); Culbreath (Arthur Soares, 77); Schick (Kofane, 90)
Substitution: Arthur Soares (from 77); Poku E. (from 78); Fernández Ez. (from 85); Tillman M. (from 85); Kofane (from 90)
Bench: Blaswich; Badé L.; Hofmann; Ben Seghir
Yellow Cards: Tillman M. 86

RB Leipzig: Vandevoordt; Orban W.; Bitshiabu (Lukeba, 46); Finkgräfe (Henrichs, 84); Seiwald N. (Ouedraogo, 65); Baku R.; Schlager X.; Baumgartner; Nusa (Gruda, 46); Rômulo (Harder, 65); Diomande Y.
Substitution: Lukeba (from 46); Gruda (from 46); Ouedraogo (from 65); Harder (from 65); Henrichs (from 84)
Bench: Gulacsi; Klostermann; Raum D.; Bakayoko J.
Yellow Cards: Finkgräfe 14; Schlager X. 72; Baumgartner 84