BAY WATCH Leverkusen catch Dortmund napping
BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S Bundesliga title challenge was dented by Bayer Leverkusen’s late show.
Dortmund were edged out in this seven-goal thriller following quickfire strikes from Leon Bailey and Lars Bender.
Bailey scored in the 81st minute to haul the hosts level before Bender grabbed the winner just a minute later.
Despite scoring three times, Erling Haaland fired blanks on a rare off night in front of goal.
Kevin Volland had earlier fired Leverkusen ahead before Mats Hammels levelled almost instantly. Ex-liverpool midfielder Emre Can pounced as Dortmund went in front only for Volland to net again before the break.
When Raphael Guerrero restored Dortmund’s lead after 64 minutes, it appeared they would see out the game.
But they didn’t count for Bailey and Bender to combine for the final say as Leverkusen kept themselves on the coattails of the title contenders.
RB Leipzig will try to ensure Bayern Munich’s stay as Bundesliga leaders is shortlived when they travel to the Allianz Arena tonight.
Champions Bayern went top last weekend after beating Mainz, while Leipzig and fel
Bayer Leverkusen 4 Borussia Dortmund 3
low title rivals Borussia Monchengladbach – who host FC Koln today – drew.
Second-placed Leipzig are winless in three and trail the in-form leaders by a point.
Out-of-favour playmaker Philippe Coutinho – on loan from Barcelona – has been told he still has something to offer at Bayern, according to Bayern coach Hansi Flick.
Despite being restricted to substitute appearances in Bayern’s past two league games and not scoring since middecember, Flick said: “I don’t think he is happy with his current performances. I am convinced he can still help us, but we will have to be patient.”