Bayer Leverkusen 2–1 SC Freiburg: match recap

Match recap

Leverkusen edged a tight 2-1 win over Freiburg, riding a clinical second-half spell from Patrik Schick and I. Maza to overcome a deficit.

Freiburg drew first blood through D. Scherhant, who converted a chance from a set-piece sequence to stun the BayArena crowd. Leverkusen responded sharply: Patrik Schick equalized with a poacher's finish before providing the assist for I. Maza's winner, both goals arriving in a nine-minute second-half salvo. The numbers told a tale of two efficiencies: Freiburg controlled 508 passes to Leverkusen's 488 and committed only 5 fouls to the hosts' 12, yet the away side managed just 2 shots on target from 11 attempts.

Key factors

• Clinical finishing: Leverkusen's 5-of-12 shots on target versus Freiburg's 2-of-11 proved the decisive gap
• Set-piece vulnerability: Freiburg scored from a dead-ball situation but were undone by two quick-fire goals in open play
• Discipline gap: Freiburg's 5 fouls to Leverkusen's 12 disrupted the home side's rhythm but the away side lacked the attacking punch to capitalize

The Analyst's take

Leverkusen continues to show resilience despite a lengthy injury list—five confirmed out, one doubtful—relying on a small group of high-performing individuals. Freiburg's underlying numbers (possession share, foul discipline) indicate they can compete with top-half sides, but their lack of shot accuracy remains a statistical blind spot. The 83% confidence in the model share suggests a split sample: the away side's structural control is genuine, but the finishing gap is a recurring concern for Freiburg when facing sharp home outfits.