Demolition job
September 10, 2011
Bayer Leverkusen went top of the Bundesliga, for the time being at least, with a 4-1 away win over promoted side Augsburg in Friday evening's soccer action.
Star of the match was Sidney Sam, who scored twice to put Augsburg's hopes of a first top-flight win out of reach.
Augsburg had enjoyed a flying start only five minutes into the game, when Japanese midfielder Hajime Hosogai scored after connecting with a cutback from Daniel Baier.
The home side's celebrations, however, were short-lived with Sam scoring just a minute later thanks to an angled pass from Stephan Kiessling.
Kiessling himself was next to score, on 22 minutes, after an assist by Renato Augusto, while Augsburg failed to capitalize on some chances of their own.
Despite pressure from Augsburg in the second half, Sam was able to extend his side's lead with a skillful left-foot shot on 72 minutes. Substitute Eren Derdiyok completed the rout seven minutes later, latching onto a loose ball after his initial effort was saved.
Ballack eyes clash with former club
Former Chelsea player and Germany captain Michael Ballack partnered Simon Rolfes in the Leverkusen midfield, raising the prospect that he could appear against his former club. Leverkusen meet the Londoners in Champions League action on Tuesday.
"Augsburg kept us very busy, so it is important to recover quickly from this match," said Leverkusen coach Robin Dutt. "I am very satisfied with Michael, but I don't yet know if he will start against Chelsea.”
With Leverkusen on 10 points, Bayern Munich - on nine - could reclaim the top spot with a win against Freiburg on Saturday. Schalke, also on nine points, visit Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Author: Richard Connor (AP, dpa, Reuters)
Editor: Holly Fox