Bayer Leverkusen – SC Freiburg: Schick completes second-half comeback as Werkself edge past resilient Freiburg (2-1)

Bayer Leverkusen continued their strong Bundesliga campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over SC Freiburg at a roaring BayArena. The Werkself found themselves trailing early following Derry Scherhant's clinical 14th-minute opener for the visitors. However, a quick response from Ibrahim Maza and strategic second-half adjustments turned the tide. Maza pegged the visitors back in the 19th minute before Patrik Schick struck in the 76th minute to seal a dramatic comeback victory for the hosts. Schick became the only Werkself player to score in the opening six games of a Bundesliga season.

Tactical analysis and match report by Aderemi Qoyum.

The structural battle saw two well-drilled sides confront each other with distinct tactical structures.

Carles Martinez made five changes from midweek's UEFA Europa League outing. Bayer Leverkusen took the pitch in a 4-2-3-1 formation on paper with Mark Flekken in goal behind a back four of Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba, Facundo Medina, and Miguel Gutiérrez. In midfield, it is the usual trio of Aleix García who operated alongside Equi Fernández, while Ibrahim Maza played slightly higher up the pitch in central zones. Moussa Diaby lined up on the right wing, Afonso Moreira on the left, and record-breaking Patrik Schick led the attack through the middle.

Julian Schuster made one change to his side, SC Freiburg lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that morphed into fluid shapes. Mio Backhaus started in goal protected by fullbacks Philipp Treu and Jordy Makengo, flanking center-backs Matthias Ginter and Philipp Lienhart. Maximilian Eggestein and Yannik Engelhardt formed the double pivot in midfield, while Jan-Niklas Beste, Keisuke . . .