Bayer Leverkusen fought back from a goal down to defeat Freiburg 2-1 at the BayArena, securing a place in the top four of the Bundesliga and stretching their winning run to three consecutive league matches.

Nigerian forward Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute throughout, while compatriot Nathan Tella entered the fray in the 59th minute — his second Bundesliga appearance of the campaign, compared to Boniface's single league outing so far.

How the game unfolded

Freiburg, unbeaten heading into the fixture, struck first. Derry Scherhant broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, converting a move engineered by Niklas Beste and Philipp Treu to give the visitors a deserved lead.

Leverkusen hit back almost immediately. Ibrahim Maza drew the hosts level in the 19th minute, capitalising on sharp play from Moussa Diaby and Patrik Schick to restore parity.

The second half was a tense affair until Schick settled it. The Czech striker tapped home in the 76th minute after Maza produced a brilliant solo run from near the corner line, handing Leverkusen all three points.

Schick makes Bundesliga history

The winning goal carried extra significance: it made Schick the first Bayer Leverkusen player ever to score in each of the opening six Bundesliga matches of a season — a remarkable individual milestone in what is shaping up to be a memorable campaign for the club.

Table implications

The victory lifts Leverkusen to 13 points from five league fixtures — four wins and one draw — level with Freiburg on points but ahead on goal difference. They trail Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by just one point, setting up a compelling title conversation as the season develops.