Aleix García’s opener sets Leverkusen on course for 2-1 win at Köln

Bayer Leverkusen beat 1. FC Köln 2-1 at the RheinEnergieStadion, with Aleix García’s 7th-minute goal setting the visitors on their way. Leverkusen’s 62% possession and 14-12 advantage in total shots underpinned the win, although Köln’s 1.59 expected goals kept the contest close.

García and Schick provide the difference

García opened the scoring for Bayer Leverkusen in the 7th minute, making it 0-1. Patrik Schick then doubled the lead in the 85th minute, with Ibrahim Maza assisting for 0-2. Köln responded in the 90th minute through Said El Mala, assisted by Malek El Mala, but the score remained 1-2.

Leverkusen also completed 574 accurate passes from 639 total, compared with Köln’s 341 from 392. The visitors led shots on goal 8-6 and corners 6-2, while both teams recorded eight shots inside the box. Köln’s six saves and six shots on goal reflected a competitive finish despite Leverkusen’s territorial control.

Leverkusen extend points advantage

Leverkusen went into the match sixth on 13 points and now have 16 from nine matches, provisionally fourth. Köln remain on nine points from nine matches and are provisionally 13th. The gap is now seven points, compared with four before kick-off. The result improved Leverkusen’s form after a pre-match loss, while Köln followed a pre-match draw with defeat.

García was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after 90 minutes with one goal and two key passes. The match included 11 yellow-card events and no red cards.