Dortmund 2-3 Leverkusen: Blistering Bayer blow Borussia away early

Bayer Leverkusen got 2025 off to a winning start, inflicting a first home defeat of the season on Borussia Dortmund. The hosts were decimated by a pre-match virus, but the champions were merciless.

The Bundesliga returned 15 minutes later than planned on Friday night as kick-off between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen was delayed due to traffic issues around the Westfalenstadion - but it was worth the wait for the reigning champions, who got 2025 off to a winning start.

But what looked set to be a relatively comfortable evening turned into a nervier affair for Xabi Alonso's men than it perhaps should have been after a blistering start.

Precisely 15 minutes and 26 seconds after the original kick-off time, Nathan Tella launched a half-volley into the back of the Dortmund net. Seven minutes later, Patrik Schick doubled the lead at the back post. Jamie Gittens immediately pulled one back for the hosts but Schick restored Leverkusen's two-goal lead – and the clock hadn't even reached 20 minutes yet.