Leverkusen rebound from heavy PSG loss with win over Freiburg

Bayer Leverkusen gained a measure of relief at home on Sunday, following a tough Champions League setback against Paris Saint-Germain, by securing a 2-0 victory over Freiburg in the Bundesliga.

After being overwhelmed 7-2 by the European title holders in the same arena just five days prior, Leverkusen surged ahead during the first half as Ernest Poku struck a low effort into the bottom right corner.

The home side extended their advantage shortly after the break when Edmond Tapsoba powered past the Freiburg backline to nod in a cross from Alejandro Grimaldo. 

This result lifted the 2023-24 double champions to fourth position in the standings, two points ahead of Stuttgart, who face Mainz in the day's closing fixture. 

Leverkusen have now claimed four straight Bundesliga wins, forming part of a seven-game unbeaten streak in domestic competition. 

Manager Kasper Hjulmand, appointed after Erik ten Hag's dismissal early in the campaign, remains undefeated in the Bundesliga so far.

The defeat marked Freiburg's initial league loss since August.

These teams shared a 2-2 stalemate in May, though just three starters from Leverkusen's Sunday lineup were with the club back then.

In the 22nd minute, Spanish midfielder Aleix Garcia exchanged a sharp one-two with Poku to set up the opener for the home team.

This marked the eighth occasion in eight Bundesliga matches this term that Leverkusen have netted first.

Tapsoba's headed goal, arriving seven minutes after halftime, steered Leverkusen towards the triumph. 

With 15 minutes left, Freiburg dropped to ten players after Philipp Lienhart received a second booking, ending any slim chance of a recovery.