Bayer Leverkusen defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in the Bundesliga, keeping pressure on leaders Bayern Munich. Nathan Tella scored just 24 seconds into the match, and Patrik Schick added a second goal shortly after.

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.

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.

Xabi Alonso believed that Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga victory over Borussia Dortmund on Friday showed the improved discipline of the reigning champions.

Patrik Schick strikes twice for victors at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park as Leverkusen close gap with Bayern Munich - Anadolu Ajansı

The German Bundesliga returns after the winter break with Borussia Dortmund at home to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen on Friday. Nuri Sahin's men host Xabi Alonso's side at Signal Iduna Park with BVB having won just one of their last five games pre-Christmas.

The Werkself wasted no time breaking the deadlock, capitalizing on Dortmund's failure to clear the ball from the area. Robert Andrich set up Nathan Tella, who struck a powerful shot into the top left corner from the edge of the box,

The Black and Yellows are sixth in the table with 25 points from 15 games and beat Wolfsburg 3-1 on December 22 in their last game before the break, while Leverkusen are in second place with 32 points and are just four points behind 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.

Sky Germany reports that several of Borussia Dortmund’s defenders are injury doubts for their game against Bayer Leverkusen later today. Joining Niklas Süle and Pascal Groß, who is suspended,