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Goalscorer Schick (r.) celebrates with Frimpong providing the assist

Photo: Ronald Wittek / EPA

Bayer Leverkusen has won the Bundesliga for the seventh time in a row.

On matchday 26, the Werkself won 3-2 (2-1) at SC Freiburg and remained unbeaten in the 38th competitive game in a row.

The goals for Bayer were scored by Florian Wirtz (2nd minute), Adam Hložek (40th) and Patrik Schick (53rd).

Ritsu Doan (10th) and Yannik Keitel scored for the SCF (79th).

Leaders Leverkusen extend their lead over FC Bayern to ten points.

Freiburg slipped to ninth place.

Both teams were on the pitch in the Europa League last Thursday, but had very different experiences.

While Freiburg were eliminated 5-0 at West Ham United, Leverkusen advanced in stoppage time against Qarabağ Ağdam.

In comparison, coach Xabi Alonso rotated heavily and changed his starting eleven to seven positions.

That didn't affect Leverkusen's flow of the game.

Freiburg gave the guests too much space, Wirtz moved into the middle in the penalty area, delayed briefly, and then shot the ball into the far corner (2nd).

He had already scored the goal of the year 2023 with a solo in the first leg.

Doan placed, goalkeeper Atubolu unfortunate

The SCF responded with a one-two between Lucas Höler and Doan, who finished from around ten meters through the legs of his opponent (10th).

After the equalizer, Bayer took possession of the ball, Freiburg waited for a counterattack - and through Merlin Röhl they came closer to the second goal than the Werkself (24th).

Leverkusen took the lead again before the break with a bit of luck: Wirtz sent Grimaldo into the penalty area, SCF goalkeeper Noah Atubolu was actually there, but instead of clearing or intercepting the ball, he maneuvered it in front of Schick's feet.

Atubolu was able to fend off his attempt, but he was powerless to deal with Hložek's follow-up shot (40').

Schick opened the second half with his first Bundesliga goal this calendar year.

The Czech kept his foot sensitively in a cross from Jeremie Frimpong.

The ball bounced from the left inside post towards the right one and finally rolled into the net (53').

As a result, Bayer lacked determination in attack and the home team made things exciting again.

Keeper Lukáš Hrádecký allowed a shot from Keitel to ricochet forward, and the 24-year-old scored on his second attempt (79').

Shortly afterwards, Wirtz hit the outside post with a direct shot in the six-meter area (83').

It remained 3-2 for Leverkusen.

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