Schick scores two as Leverkusen defeat Cologne and climb into Bundesliga's upper echelons

Schick scores two as Leverkusen defeat Cologne and climb into Bundesliga's upper echelons
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Leverkusen seemed affected by their recent DFB-Pokal semi-final loss to Bayern Munich, starting sluggishly and nearly conceding several times in the first 10 minutes.

Said El Mala and Jakub Kaminski both missed narrowly after intercepting the ball in Leverkusens own territory, then El Mala forced Janis Blaswich to make a save on his curling shot aimed at the far post.

Cologne then erred defensively with Eric Martels sideways pass intercepted by Schick, though the Czech forward hit the upright with his effort.

Blaswich was tested again soon after to stop El Mala and Martel, before another loose pass let El Mala bypass the keeper, yet he struck the post from a tight angle with the net empty.

These squandered chances hurt Cologne before half-time when Martel was penalised for handball near the edge of their box, handing Leverkusen the lead from the penalty.

Schick took the kick and slotted past Marvin Schwabe, even as the Cologne keeper touched it, marking his sixth strike in eight outings versus Die Geißbocke.

This was a harsh setback for Cologne, who had dominated much of the opening period, but their inefficiency persisted after the interval.

A further attacking foray ended with Linton Maina setting up El Mala in the box, but Blaswich blocked the shot from the young German and launched a break that doubled Leverkusens lead.

Aleix Garcia found Nathan Tella on the flank, whose cross was converted by Schick at the far post for his sixth Bundesliga goal in five matches.

The gap appeared insurmountable for Cologne, yet replacement Luca Waldschmidt pulled one back by finishing neatly after Leverkusen mishandled El Malas run.

The crowd roared back to life, but the home team could not muster sufficient threats for a last-gasp tie, as Edmond Tapsoba cleared off the line to secure the win for Leverkusen, now unbeaten in five away league games.

Colognes initial defeat under Rene Wagner might not hurt much, sitting five points above the relegation zone despite their eighth loss in 11 Bundesliga clashes with Leverkusen.