Bayer Leverkusen's on one of those runs again. Borussia Dortmund looks a shadow of its former self. The two standout German teams from last season are on opposite trajectories as the pressure mounts in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Bayer Leverkusen return from the Bundesliga's winter break with victory at Borussia Dortmund to maintain the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.

Champions Bayer Leverkusen battled past hosts Borussia Dortmund 3-2 with two goals from Patrik Schick on Friday to move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich with a sixth straight league win.

Bayer Leverkusen has started the year with a big boost to its hopes of defending the Bundesliga title after beating a depleted Borussia Dortmund 3-2.

Dortmund currently sit in sixth place with 25 points and are two points behind a top four spot whilst Leverkusen are in second place and are now just four points behind the league leaders Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen's 3-2 victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga restart on Friday showed the development and discipline of the German champions, coach Xabi Alonso said.

Bayer LeverkusenAfter winning their final five league games of 2024, Leverkusen have picked up from where they left off, starting the calendar year with back-to-back victories. Die Werkself claimed a