Bayer 04 Leverkusen warmed up for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Chelsea with a 4-1 win at promoted Augsburg that leaves Robin Dutt’s side provisionally at the top of the Bundesliga.
Augsburg came into the weekend still chasing a first top-flight win and they got off to a flying start, taking the lead after just five minutes when Japanese midfielder Hajime Hosogai turned the ball home at the back post.
However, the home crowd were still celebrating when Leverkusen hit back at the other end, Sidney Sam firing past Simon Jentzsch to equalize.
An excellent Renato Augusto assist set up Stefan Kiessling to put last season’s Bundesliga runners-up in front midway through the first period.
Augsburg were full of energy and endeavor, but Leverkusen’s greater class shone through after the break as Sam got his second before substitute Eren Derdiyok converted the loose ball after his initial effort had been saved.
Leverkusen, for whom Michael Ballack played an hour before being replaced by Andre Schurrle, move top of the table on 10 points, a point ahead of Bayern Munich, Schalke and Werder Bremen, who all play later this weekend.
Leverkusen are in Champions League Group E along with Chelsea, Valencia and Belgian champions Genk.
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