Leverkusen lost at home to Dortmund, Hložek came on for the last 20 minutes

Bayer Leverkusen welcomed Borussia Dortmund to the 18th round of the German Bundesliga. Neither of the Czechs in the home team made it into the starting lineup, as Patrik Schick is still absent due to a groin injury and Adam Hložek was only benched by coach Xabi Alonso. Although the Czech youngster did make an appearance, he did not prevent the 0:2 defeat.

The Leverkusen players were more active in the match, as evidenced by interesting attempts from mid-range in the opening five minutes by Palacios and Amiri. After a quarter of an hour of play, Diaby had a great chance, but his shot was deflected out for a corner by goalkeeper Kobel.

However, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 33rd minute. Twenty-one-year-old striker Adeyemi got the assist, hitting the right post. A big part of the goal was also scored by Haller, returning from testicular cancer, who made a good save on Brandt’s pass to a young teammate who was unguarded.

The Yellow and Black went into the locker room after a close half thanks to a narrow lead. Their opponents started the second 45 minutes well again when Diaby created another opportunity. Bayer didn’t score either after the subsequent finish was blocked by defender Schlotterbeck.

And so Borussia increased their lead in the 53rd minute. Bellingham crossed to the right to Wolfe, who then sent a cross into the box to the onrushing England international. However, the ball deflected into the net off the foot of the defending Tapsoba.

Moments later, on the other side, goalkeeper Kobel made an important save against a dangerous header from Adli. In the 70th minute, Tabsoba almost scored his second own goal but Frimpong spiritedly kicked the ball off the line.

Immediately afterwards, Hložek appeared on the field to replace Wirtz. At the same time, Leverkusen made another substitution, with Palacios giving way to Bellarabi.

Alonso’s charges tried to turn the tide, but Diaby, for example, again failed to beat Kobel from a promising position in the 77th minute. Four minutes later Azmoun could have scored the contact goal, but his header was just over the crossbar.

In any case, even the home team’s chances in the setup did not change the 0:2 score. Borussia Dortmund moved up to fourth in the Bundesliga table, just three points behind leaders Bayern Munich. Leverkusen remain ninth.

Source: Nova Sport 3, Bundesliga