Early full court press from Freiburg testing Leverkusen early. It had been working early but a quick counter attack from Brandt, led to a chance for Volland, kicked away for a corner.

Goal from Aranguiz! The set piece looked to be cleared but the clearance attempt went right at the Chilean international who finished with a beautiful volley.

The Bailey-Brandt pairing on the left side of the field will create many chances while the Freiburg attention appears to be focused on Havertz and Volland.

Possession in the first 15 minutes decidedly favoring the home side.

Sven Bender was forced to come off after a rather innocent looking clash of heads that ended up drawing quite a bit of blood. Dragovic came on in relief just after the 20th minute.

At the 40th minute, Kai Havertz missed a golden opportunity for a header goal after a set piece, the rebound missed by Dragovic, and Volland with an acrobatic attempt that travels high over the bar.

The story of the first half is the early goal and Leverkusen dominating possession.

The second half starts where the first half left off with the home team dominating time with the ball. A bit of drama in the 54th minute, but VAR gets it right and the initial call of a penalty kick was waved off.

Brandt with a strong strike at the hour mark, blocked for a corner. The set piece should have yielded a better attempt on goal.

At the 70th minute, Leverkusen look tired. The first sustained control of the ball by Freiburg as the home team don’t immediately regain the ball. and Freiburg get their first serious look at a charge on goal.

At the 73rd minute, a beautiful run and touch by Havertz, unselfishly giving it up to Brandt who slots in a shot to the left corner…with Bailey and Volland ending up on top of the ball in the back of the net. Such a strong charge. Four players in position to finish off that goal but Bailey gets the credit for the finishing touch.

Approaching the 80th minute and Freiburg’s charge turns into another Leverkusen counter…this one handled comfortably by Schwolow.

Havertz comes off in the 85th for the fresh legged Dominik Kohr, followed by Paulinho in for Bailey two minutes later. Freiburg get a quick chance after the change but great save from Hradecky.

One minute left of stoppage time and Freiburg can’t buy the ball. Leverkusen get possession again with 5 seconds to time, so the ref blew the final whistle. We’ve seen enough. 2-0 Leverkusen temporarily into fifth place, as Frankfurt reassert their place with a late goal from Paciencia.

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