# Bundesliga Round 20: Bayer Leverkusen Defeats Borussia Dortmund 3-1 as Schick Nets Twice, Wirtz Keys the Victory with Assist

The Bundesliga returned with a thrilling encounter as Bayer Leverkusen edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in the highly anticipated Ruhr derby. Leverkusen’s victory, their first in three matches, was fueled by a dominant performance and a brace from striker Patrik Schick.

The match began with high tension, as both sides aimed to assert their dominance in a clash of titans. Leverkusen, despite being slight underdogs, took the initiative early. Schick opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a defensive error. Leverkusen continued to press, and their efforts paid off in the 36th minute when Schick doubled his tally with a powerful strike from outside the box. Dortmund, despite being a goal behind, refused to back down and responded through debutant Nico Schlotterbeck, who headed home a cross from captain Marco Reus to level the score.

However, Leverkusen’s momentum couldn’t be halted. Midfield maestro Florian Wirtz played a pivotal role, dictating the game’s pace and creating chances. In the 57th minute, Wirtz delivered a pinpoint cross that Schick converted into his second goal, putting Leverkusen firmly in control. Despite a late surge from Dortmund, Leverkusen’s defense held firm, ensuring a well-deserved victory.

Schick’s performance was a standout, with his two goals showcasing his clinical finishing and determination. Wirtz, meanwhile, demonstrated his growing influence on the team with an assist and a commanding presence in midfield. Leverkusen’s win moves them to eighth place, while Dortmund slips to fourth, highlighting the importance of this result in the race for European qualification.

The Ruhr derby always delivers drama, and this match was no exception. Both teams displayed their attacking flair, but Leverkusen’s clinicality in front of goal ultimately proved the decisive factor. As the Bundesliga enters the final stretch, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters between these two giants of German football.