Bayer Leverkusen's resurgence sees them climb to fourth

Bayer Leverkusen have recovered from an opening day defeat to climb to fourth in the Bundesliga, powered by a five-game winning streak and the form of Patrik Schick.

Bayer Leverkusen have fought their way back into the Bundesliga's top four after a shaky start to the season. Following an opening day 2-3 defeat to Elversberg, the team under Carles Martinez recorded six wins and a draw in their next seven competitive matches, including a run of five consecutive victories. This form has lifted the club to fourth place in the standings with 13 points from six games, just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich.

The attacking partnership of Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza has been central to this resurgence. Leverkusen have scored 16 league goals and conceded only nine, giving them a solid goal difference of plus seven. With 114 shots and a high conversion rate, the team consistently creates danger. Patrik Schick has scored in all six league appearances and leads the team with six goals this season. His strike partner Ibrahim Maza has contributed four goals and two assists. Their understanding was evident in the 2-1 home win over SC Freiburg on October 18th, where Schick assisted Maza's equaliser before Maza returned the favour for Schick's winner.

The team is in outstanding form with five wins from their last five matches. This run includes a 4-0 away win at Lech Poznan, a 4-3 victory at Mainz 05, a 2-0 win against RB Leipzig, and most recently a 2-0 win at OFI last Saturday, where Jonas Hofmann scored both goals.

Defensive cohesion improves

The team has also solidified at the back. After goalkeeper Mark Flekken criticised the lack of energy following the Elversberg loss, the defensive unit has grown together. New signing Facundo Medina has formed a stable partnership with Edmond Tapsoba. Leverkusen have conceded only three goals in their last four league matches. "We have grown together better, we understand each other superbly on the pitch," said Ibrahim Maza. This improved cohesion is reflected in the current run: the last five competitive matches have all ended in victory, most recently a 2-0 win at OFI.

The next test for this momentum is the away fixture against 1899 Hoffenheim on Sunday, 25 October. Hoffenheim currently sit 14th in the table. Martinez's side will look to carry their positive dynamic into the fixtures schedule and maintain the pressure on the teams above them.