Bayer Leverkusen beats Borussia Dortmund 2-1, Wirtz scores to extend lead.

**Bayer Leverkusen beats Borussia Dortmund 2-1, Wirtz scores to extend lead**

**Match Summary**

In a thrilling encounter at BayArena, Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious over Borussia Dortmund with a 2-1 scoreline. The match, which was a high-stakes encounter in the Bundesliga, saw Leverkusen take control early and hold on for a hard-fought win. The result extends Leverkusen's recent dominance over their fierce rivals and sends Dortmund back to the drawing board after a spirited performance.

**Key Moments**

The game began with Leverkusen dictating play from the offset. Their efforts were rewarded in the 16th minute when Moussa Diaby fired a low shot past Dortmund's goalkeeper, who could have done better to keep the ball out. Leverkusen's lead was doubled just before halftime when Dejan Wirtz, a talismanic figure for the team, capitalized on a defensive error to slot home from close range.

Dortmund, despite their defensive lapses, responded valiantly. Their pressure told in the 63rd minute when Jonas Hector converted a penalty after Leverkusen's goalkeeper was penalized for handling inside the box. However, Leverkusen refused to back down and Wirtz, who had scored the winning goal in their previous meeting, sealed the deal with a clinical finish in stoppage time.

**Player Performance**

Dejan Wirtz was once again the star of the show for Leverkusen, contributing with a goal and an assist. His leadership and composure under pressure were pivotal in securing the three points. On the other side, Dortmund's players cannot be faulted for their effort, but Leverkusen's defensive organization and counter-attacking prowess proved too much to handle.

**Reaction and Implications**

The win moves Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga table, while Dortmund slip to third, ending their three-game winning streak. Both teams will take confidence from the match heading into their next fixtures. Leverkusen will look to build on this performance when they face RB Leipzig, while Dortmund must regroup ahead of a crucial clash against Bayern Munich.

**Conclusion**

A thrilling 2-1 victory for Bayer Leverkusen over Borussia Dortmund was the highlight of the weekend in the Bundesliga. Dejan Wirtz's brace ensured Leverkusen extended their recent dominance over their rivals, but Dortmund will take pride in their performance and return to action with a point to prove. This match promises more exciting encounters between these two historic sides in the future.