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Schick has scored nine goals in his last five Bundesliga matches Patrik Schick scored four goals to help Bayer Leverkusen thrash Freiburg 5-1 and narrow the gap with leaders Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga. The Czech striker scored three second-half goals in the space of 10 minutes to become Leverkusen's leading goalscorer in the league this season with nine goals. Florian Wirtz, who had a penalty saved by Noah Atubolu earlier in the game, set up the opener with a smart pass for Schick to chip home just before the interval. Wirtz then doubled the hosts' lead in the 51st minute when he cut inside and slotted in at the near post. However, a sloppy mistake in possession from Leverkusen helped Freiburg halve the deficit, with Vincenzo Grifo curling in a composed finish. The visitors hit the crossbar shortly afterwards but a stellar performance from Schick ensured the reigning champions ended 2024 on a high, with two headed goals and a fierce half-volley strike. An eighth straight win in all competitions moves Xabi Alonso's side four points behind Bayern, who beat RB Leipzig 5-1 on Friday. Freiburg, meanwhile, drop to eighth, although they are only three points behind third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 21st December 2024 at 19: 43 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Xabi Alonso Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1 Manager: Julian Schuster Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Xabi Alonso Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1 Manager: Julian Schuster Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Bundesliga All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Bayer 04 Leverkusen 5, SC Freiburg 1. Second Half ends, Bayer 04 Leverkusen 5, SC Freiburg 1. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match because of an injury Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). Merlin Röhl (SC Freiburg) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Merlin Röhl (SC Freiburg). Fourth official has announced 2 minutes of added time. Corner, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Conceded by Noah Atubolu. Attempt saved. Nordi Mukiele (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jonathan Tah. Substitution, SC Freiburg. Nicolas Höfler replaces Maximilian Eggestein. Foul by Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). Lucas Höler (SC Freiburg) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Substitution, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Jeanuël Belocian replaces Piero Hincapié. Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Lucas Höler (SC Freiburg). Substitution, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Arthur replaces Jeremie Frimpong. Substitution, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Aleix García replaces Patrik Schick. Substitution, Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Nordi Mukiele replaces Álex Grimaldo. Foul by Granit Xhaka (Bayer 04 Leverkusen). © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.