Leverkusen Close Gap on Bayern with 3-1 Win Over Bochum

Bayer Leverkusen have narrowed the gap with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to three points after a 3-1 win over VfL Bochum on Saturday.

Bayer Leverkusen has narrowed the gap with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to three points after securing a 3-1 victory over VfL Bochum. Leverkusen's win, which featured a second-half double, provisionally cuts the deficit at the top of the table.

The triumph marks Leverkusen's fifth consecutive home win against Bochum and puts pressure on Bayern Munich ahead of their upcoming match. Although Leverkusen may regret not capitalizing on Bochum's surprise 3-2 win over Bayern earlier in the season, they recognized the opportunity to create doubt in their title rivals' minds by securing this win.

Bayer Leverkusen initially struggled to find their rhythm but eventually gained momentum, taking the lead within 20 minutes. The goal was scored by Aleix Garcia, who received a pass from Exequiel Palacios and skillfully curled the ball into the net, beating Timo Horn at the near post.

Despite their composed performance, Leverkusen were vulnerable to mistakes. A moment of brilliance from Felix Passlack led to the equalizing goal. Granit Xhaka unintentionally headed the ball to Georgios Masouras, who was denied by Lukas Hradecky's initial save. However, Passlack seized the opportunity to score with a spectacular looping volley on the rebound. Leverkusen failed to respond effectively before the interval, and the score remained level.

During the halftime break, Xabi Alonso reinvigorated his team, and they returned to the pitch with renewed energy. Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick both came close to scoring within minutes of the restart. Although Matus Bero briefly threatened with a counterattack, requiring a save from Hradecky, Leverkusen soon regained the lead. Aleix Garcia's free kick was headed back across goal by Piero Hincapie, allowing Boniface to tap in the decisive goal.

Enjoy your weekend, Werkself fans! 😘#B04BOC pic.twitter.com/J09xDcHjGZ

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 28, 2025

VfL Bochum demonstrated resilience and refused to give up, but Bayer Leverkusen consistently showcased their counter-attacking prowess. Jeremie Frimpong came close to scoring before Victor Boniface was denied a second goal due to an offside ruling.

Leverkusen eventually secured a two-goal cushion in the closing minutes, courtesy of a well-executed counterattack. Exequiel Palacios located substitute Amine Adli, who made an impressive run behind the defense. Adli then calmly slotted the ball under Timo Horn to seal the victory for Leverkusen.

The win marks Leverkusen's second consecutive victory, following a streak of three consecutive losses. This resurgence in form could not have come at a more opportune time, as they aim to become the first Bundesliga team to overcome a six-point deficit at the top of the table after 26 matches since Stuttgart achieved this feat in the 2006/07 season. In contrast, Bochum's struggles persist, and they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation after a four-year tenure in the top flight.