BERLIN — Patrik Schick delivered an outstanding performance with a hat trick, as Bayer Leverkusen overcame an early setback to secure a 5-2 victory against Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Prior to the match, Leverkusen confirmed that midfielder Jonas Hofmann will be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a right thigh injury sustained during training. This setback adds to the team’s injury woes, with Victor Boniface, Amine Adli, and Nordi Mukiele also unavailable for selection.
Heidenheim shocked the reigning champions by taking an early lead. In the 10th minute, Marvin Pieringer intercepted the ball from Piero Hincapie and assisted Niklas Dorsch, who calmly slotted it home. Just 11 minutes later, Mathias Honsak showcased his skills by skillfully maneuvering past three Leverkusen defenders, finding the net and extending Heidenheim’s lead to 2-0.
Leverkusen responded with a goal from Exequiel Palacios in the 30th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. Two minutes later, Schick demonstrated his finesse by executing a delicate chip over the Heidenheim keeper to equalize.
The dynamic continued in the second half with Florian Wirtz providing a pinpoint cross for Schick’s second goal in the 52nd minute. Substitute Arthur played a crucial role by assisting Schick again in the 71st minute to complete his hat trick.
Granit Xhaka capped off the scoring for Leverkusen with a late goal that saw him celebrate in a unique fashion, mimicking a baby gesture while sucking his thumb.
In other Bundesliga action, Jacob Bruun Larsen secured a thrilling 4-3 victory for Hoffenheim against Leipzig in coach Christian Ilzer’s first match in charge, where his side displayed resilience by coming back from behind three times.
Meanwhile, host team Borussia Dortmund triumphed over Freiburg with a dominant 4-0 win, despite the visitors ending the match with nine players. Stuttgart also claimed a solid 2-0 victory against Bochum, while Wolfsburg edged past Union Berlin with a narrow 1-0 result.
Later in the day, Eintracht Frankfurt was set to host Werder Bremen in another exciting match of the Bundesliga.