Schick hat-trick aids in Bayer 04 comeback

Bayer Leverkusen 5-2 Heidenheim
Goals: 0-1 Dorsch 10’ (assist: Pieringer), 0-2 Honsak 21’ (assist: Dorsch), 1-2 Palacios 30’ (assist: Xhaka), 2-2 Schick 32’ (assist: Palacios), 3-2 Schick 52’ (assist: Wirtz), 4-2 Schick 71’ (assist: Arthur), 5-2 Xhaka 82’ (assist: Tella)

Leverkusen went into the match against Heidenheim without key forward Victor Boniface, who was laid low with a hamstring injury. As a result, Schick was given the nod up top against a Heidenheim side that started the encounter showing plenty of menace.  

The match began with a stunning turn of events as Heidenheim raced into a two-goal lead. Niklas Dorsch opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalising on a defensive error by Piero Hincapié. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 21st minute when Mathias Honsak weaved through the Leverkusen defence to make it 2-0. The BayArena was stunned, and Alonso's side found themselves in unfamiliar territory.

The hosts, however, showed their championship mettle with a rapid comeback. Exequiel Palacios ignited the fightback in the 30th minute, turning and firing home after good work from Granit Xhaka. Just two minutes later, Schick levelled the scores with a clinical finish. The Czech striker latched onto a pass from Palacios to equalise and set the stage for a thrilling second half. Leverkusen's comeback was nearly complete when Edmond Tapsoba hit the post in the 27th minute, adding a dramatic first half.

The second half belonged to Schick and Leverkusen. The home side dominated possession and created chance after chance. Schick completed his brace in the 52nd minute, finishing off a brilliant move involving Florian Wirtz. The Czech international wasn't done yet, as he secured his hat-trick in the 71st minute with a well-placed header from Arthur's cross. Schick's performance was a masterclass in finishing and positioning, turning the tide of the match decisively in Leverkusen's favour.

As if to put an exclamation point on Leverkusen's dominance, Xhaka added a fifth goal in the 82nd minute with a spectacular long-range effort. The Swiss midfielder's strike was the perfect ending to a match that showcased Leverkusen's attacking prowess and resilience. Heidenheim, who had started so brightly, were left to rue their inability to maintain their early advantage against a team of Leverkusen's quality.

Alonso's tactical acumen was on full display as he guided his team through a challenging match. The Spanish coach's adjustments after going behind were crucial, with Leverkusen's increased pressing and fluid attacking movements overwhelming Heidenheim in the second half.

The home side's dominance was reflected in the statistics, with 73 per cent possession and an impressive 92 per cent passing accuracy.  

Schick's hat-trick was the highlight of Leverkusen's revival. The Czech striker showcased his full repertoire of skills, scoring with both feet and his head. His first goal, a clever finish past the goalkeeper, demonstrated his composure, while his header for the hat-trick highlighted his ability to be in the right place at the right time. Schick's movement off the ball and link-up play were also exceptional, creating space for his teammates and contributing to Leverkusen's fluid attacking play. This performance underlined his importance to the team and his ability to lead the line effectively.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.2 - Heidenheim 0.93
Fastest player: Sirlord Conteh (HDH), 35.88 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 5-2 by Granit Xhaka (B04), 7 percent
Most pressed player: Florian Wirtz (B04), 41 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Exequiel Palacios (B04), +5.82