Bayer Leverkusen has started the year with a big boost to its hopes of defending the Bundesliga title after beating a depleted Borussia Dortmund 3-2.

Bayer Leverkusen return from the Bundesliga's winter break with victory at Borussia Dortmund to maintain the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.

The German Bundesliga returns after the winter break with Borussia Dortmund at home to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen on Friday. Nuri Sahin's men host Xabi Alonso's side at Signal Iduna Park with BVB having won just one of their last five games pre-Christmas.

Patrik Schick strikes twice for victors at Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park as Leverkusen close gap with Bayern Munich - Anadolu Ajansı

Bayer Leverkusen's 3-2 victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga restart on Friday showed the development and discipline of the German champions, coach Xabi Alonso said.

Two goals from Patrik Schick helped Bayer Leverkusen battle past Borussia Dortmund to a 3-2 victory on Friday, claiming a sixth-straight league win. ( More Football News) Dortmund suffered their first home loss of the Bundesliga campaign, while Leverkusen moved within one point of leaders Bayern Munich.

Sky Germany reports that several of Borussia Dortmund’s defenders are injury doubts for their game against Bayer Leverkusen later today. Joining Niklas Süle and Pascal Groß, who is suspended,

Champions Bayer Leverkusen battled past hosts Borussia Dortmund 3-2 with two goals from Patrik Schick on Friday to move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich with a sixth straight league win. In a f