Leverkusen crush Dortmund to go top in Germany (25.02.2002)
BERLIN
Bayer Leverkusen crushed title rivals Borussia Dortmund 4-0 on Sunday to regain the top spot in the German first division.
Bayer, seeking their first league title in their history, are now one point ahead of second-placed Dortmund whose 12-match unbeaten run came to an end.
With just five points separating the top five teams with just 10 matches to go, the Bundesliga title race is once again heading for a thrilling finish.
``It was a great win,`` said Leverkusen coach Klaus Toppmoeller of the surprisingly lopsided victory. ``We deserved to win by four goals,`` said Toppmoeller. ``It`s going to be a close race up to the finish.``
Dortmund had an early goal disallowed before German international Michael Ballack fired the home side ahead after 32
minutes in front of a sell-out crowd of 22,500.
Leverkusen, who have now netted 57 goals in 24 league matches, besieged the Dortmund defence and Ulf Kirsten twice went close late in the first half.
Carsten Ramelow, Oliver Neuville and Dimitar Berbatow added second half goals to seal a comprehensive victory.
The visitors were forced to play most of the second half with 10 men after striker Jan Koller was sent-off in the 53rd minute.
Leverkusen have 49 points from 24 matches, one ahead of Dortmund. Schalke 04 and FC Kaiserslautern are four points behind the leaders while champions Bayern Munich are still in contention, five points off the pace. ``We played very well today,`` said Ballack. ``We`re thrilled with the win. It will give us a lot of self-confidence.``
