BERLIN (AP) – Julian Brandt starred as Bayer Leverkusen outclassed Leipzig 4-1 to move above the home side into the Bundesliga’s last qualification spot for the Champions League on Monday.
The Germany midfielder, who extended his Leverkusen contract last week, scored one goal and was involved in two more as the side moved to fourth, two points clear of Eintracht Frankfurt and Leipzig with five rounds remaining.
Marcel Sabitzer fired the home side into an early lead with a fine strike inside the left post.
Leverkusen fought back and deservedly equalized before the break through Kai Havertz, picked out by Leon Bailey to volley home.
Brandt scored minutes after the break with a fine finish and was involved again when Panagiotis Retsos made it 3-1 shortly afterward. Brandt’s cross deflected off Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano before Retsos fired it in.