Bayer Leverkusen Defeats Freiburg 2-0 to Recover from PSG Loss

Bayer Leverkusen secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday, marking a significant recovery following their recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The match showcased the resilience of Leverkusen, who rebounded from a disappointing 7-2 loss against PSG, ending Freiburg’s impressive eight-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Ernest Poku was instrumental in the win, scoring the opening goal in the 22nd minute. His strike came after a well-executed one-two with Aleix Garcia, allowing Poku to unleash a powerful shot from the edge of the area. This goal highlighted Poku’s growing confidence, taking his tally to three goals and an assist in his last four Bundesliga appearances. The young Dutch midfielder joined Leverkusen in August as part of their squad overhaul, following the dismissal of coach Erik ten Hag less than three weeks later.

Leverkusen’s second goal arrived early in the second half, when defender Edmond Tapsoba scored with a commanding header in the 52nd minute. The match took a further turn for Freiburg when Philipp Lienhart received a second yellow card, effectively diminishing their chances of mounting a comeback.

In a positive development for Leverkusen, Czech striker Patrik Schick made his return from a thigh injury, coming off the bench to play his first game in a month. His presence adds depth to the squad as they aim to build momentum following this victory.

Looking ahead, Stuttgart has the opportunity to climb to third place in the Bundesliga standings if they secure a win over struggling Mainz later on Sunday. The two teams are set to meet again on Wednesday in the second round of the German Cup, providing both an opportunity to regroup and reassert their standings in the league.

Overall, Bayer Leverkusen’s performance against Freiburg not only demonstrates their ability to bounce back from a heavy loss but also underscores the potential within their squad as they navigate the challenges of the Bundesliga season.