The visitors took the lead in their first proper attack – a fantastic ball by Calhanoglu was chipped on by Bellarabi to Brandt, who finished with a volley, meaning he has now scored the first goal in each of Leverkusen’s last three matches. Köln were shocked, and Bayer 04 quickly doubled their lead as Chicharito bagged his 16th goal of the season.
Leverkusen were happy to control the game in the second half, without posing much of a threat themselves. Köln eventually started to take more risks and had chances from Simon Zoller and Bittencourt but Germany international Bernd Leno kept his fourth straight clean sheet as Leverkusen have their sights firmly set on a Champions League qualification spot.
Borussia Dortmund lost two points on table toppers FC Bayern München on matchday 29, as arch rivals FC Schalke 04 held the Yellow-Blacks to a 2-2 draw. Shinji Kagawa and World Champion Matthias Ginter put Dortmund ahead twice early in the second half, but Germany international Leroy Sané and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar responded swiftly both times with the equaliser.
The spectators in a sold-out Veltins Arena saw an intense first 45 minutes, albeit with precious few clear chances. United States international Christian Pulisic had the first opportunity of the game for Dortmund, but dragged his shot wide from a tough angle. At the other end Sané struck the post with a shot from distance.
Four goals in 20 minutes
The second half got off to a fast start, with Kagawa finishing off a nice attack with fine strike into the top corner. But Schalke found an immediate response as Sané levelled the score just two minutes later. Dortmund brushed themselves off and soon re-established their lead through Ginter’s header from a free kick. The visitors were in front for just ten minutes this time: BVB defender Sokratis brought down Huntelaar inside the area - the Dutchman himself stepped up and converted from the spot.
With the scores level once more and the derby finally in full swing, both teams were fighting hard for every ball and referee Felix Zwayer was forced to hand out several yellow cards to both sets of players. The game continued to offer entertainment and both sides displayed some quality football. Kagawa and substitute Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed promising chances for Dortmund, while Maximilian Meyer nearly earned Schalke the derby victory but also lacked the clinical touch with his chance in stoppage time.
Germany international Ilkay Gündogan was able to make his comeback after a three-week injury break, as he was brought on midway through the second half.
Brandt and Chicharito earn Leverkusen derby victory
Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured a deserved 2-0 derby victory away to 1. FC Köln in the final match of Bundesliga matchday 29. First half goals from Julian Brandt and Javier "Chicharito" allowed Roger Schmidt’s men to take the three points back across the Rhine, with Germany international Karim Bellarabi assisting both goals. Köln were reduced to ten men in the closing stages of the match, with Leonardo Bittencourt seeing red. A few minutes later, he was joined by Leverkusen’s Wendell who got his marching orders after a second bookable offence.
Leverkusen were unable to call on their skipper and Germany international Lars Bender due to muscle problems. The visitors struggled in the opening stages of the game and only got their first chance from a set piece, with Hakan Calhanoglu forcing Köln keeper Timo Horn into an excellent save after 14 minutes.
Köln looked the more dangerous side in the opening half-hour – Dominic Maroh’s header following Germany international Jonas Hector’s free kick was just off target in the 19th minute. Anthony Modeste followed up with a good chance two minutes later. Leverkusen fullback Wendell then made a timely intervention against Bittencourt, who was looking to convert following a fine combination with Modeste.
The visitors took the lead in their first proper attack – a fantastic ball by Calhanoglu was chipped on by Bellarabi to Brandt, who finished with a volley, meaning he has now scored the first goal in each of Leverkusen’s last three matches. Köln were shocked, and Bayer 04 quickly doubled their lead as Chicharito bagged his 16th goal of the season.
Leverkusen were happy to control the game in the second half, without posing much of a threat themselves. Köln eventually started to take more risks and had chances from Simon Zoller and Bittencourt but Germany international Bernd Leno kept his fourth straight clean sheet as Leverkusen have their sights firmly set on a Champions League qualification spot.
