Leverkusen – Freiburg: Madness about Florian Wirtz! First referee anger, then world class | sport

Wirtz! Wirtz! Wirtz!

Bayer top star Florian Wirtz (21) is always the focus of Leverkusen’s 5-1 win against Freiburg. From a goal and 3 assists to a direct hit on the goalkeeper, a bad foul on him, to a penalty that he himself took and missed.

Before the game there is a minute of mourning because of the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market that left several people dead. The stars also wear mourning flowers. Both were previously the case in the five matches at 3:30 p.m.

Before kick-off there will also be a nice gift for the Bayer fans. Top defender Piero Hincapie (22) has extended his contract by two years until 2029.

Folder shot in the headSend FOUR pack after Wirtz breakdown!

Always HINCAPIE, unless Wirtz (21/contract until 2027) extends his contract early. Bayer managing director Fernando Carro (60) said on Sky before the game: “We won’t be announcing anything today.” It’s a shame, I would have been happy if the kicker had been right. But they just reported something that wasn’t true.”

Background: Kicker wrote during the week that Wirtz had extended his Leverkusen contract by one year until 2028. According to information from BILD and SPORT BILD, the club and Wirtz are on the right track, but there is no signature.

Wirtz himself caused the first excitement of the game, his shot, deflected by Ginter, flew just past the goal (6th) – and hit a steward, whose gaze was directed at the audience, right on the head. Wirtz immediately jumps over the board, apologizes and inquires about the steward’s well-being. Ultimately they shake hands.

Then Lienhart hits the ball from around 16 meters onto the Leverkusen crossbar (11th). Patrik Schick (28) initially dribbled out the Freiburg team, but his shot from a central position in the penalty area was far too harmless (23′).

Then Kübler kicks Wirtz badly in the calf, but despite video evidence he gets away with a yellow card (24th) – unlike Nadiem Amiri, who was beaten off the pitch for a similar foul in Mainz’s 3-1 win in Frankfurt a few hours earlier. Wirtz is visibly upset and complains vehemently to referee Tobias Stieler. And is visibly inspired afterwards.

Wirtz is always the focus: after a strong diagonal pass from Tah, he is clearly fouled by Doan in the penalty area (31′). He shoots the penalty himself – but Freiburg goalkeeper Atubolu saves (33′).

Shortly before the break, Wirtz sent Schick, who lobbed beautifully to make it 1-0 (45th + 1). A beautifully combined team goal that starts at the back with goalkeeper Hradecky.

Wirtz is also the focus in the second half: he lets Freiburg’s Höler get out and hits the crossbar with a powerful shot to make it 2-0 (51st). A world class goal!

But Freiburg doesn’t give up, Grifo shoots in flat to make it 1-2 (55th). But the joy didn’t last long because Schick restored the old distance after Wirtz’s cross and headed it in to make it 3-1 (67′).

▶ 74th minute: Wirtz passes for Schick, whose shot deflects in to make it 4-1 – hat-trick for the Czech, 3rd assist for Wirtz. For the first time in his career he has four points scorer in one game.

Send to Sky via Wirtz: “Without Florian we don’t play as well.” He was very, very important again today. He gave me perfect templates. It’s incredible. He is incredible. He gave me the perfect balls. As a striker, it’s a dream to play with him.”

▶ 77th minute: Schick nods in a Grimaldo corner to make it 5-1. For the Czech it is the second four-pack of his career (previously in December 2021 against Fürth).

Nevertheless, Schick remains modest, saying: “Of course the four goals were special. But apart from the goals, I think I can play better. I made a few mistakes.”

That’s how Wirtz was chasing the title! With 32 points, Leverkusen is currently FC Bayern’s only pursuer (36 points). With their 8th competitive game win in a row, which is also the 50th Bundesliga success for coach Xabi Alonso (43), Bayer remains close to the German record champions.

Leverkusen finished 2024 as the best team of the year (80 points from 33 games). Alonso: “I can be proud of the entire development of the team and the club.” We are in a good moment. This December was very good for us. We have achieved our goals. Now a bit of a break. We want to start the new year well. With great ambitions. We’ll see.”

Managing Director Sport Simon Rolfes (42) about the Wirtz performance: “Just an outstanding player. Every spectator who was in the stadium today enjoyed watching Florian play football again.”

Freiburg striker Michael Gregoritsch (30) also recognizes the Wirtz show without envy: “An incredible player. I hope he stays healthy for as long as possible. It’s a feast for the eyes. He feels like he does what he wants and it works. Feels like he hasn’t had a bad game in the last 2 years. I wish him only the best. You have to acknowledge things like that sometimes.”