Czech striker Patrik Schick netted a hat-trick for Bayer Leverkusen in their 4-0 victory over Bochum, propelling the team into the German league's winter break at the top of the standings, four points clear of defending champions Bayern Munich who edged past Wolfsburg 2-1.
Schick, 27, scored all three of his goals in the first half (30, 32, and 45 minutes) before his teammate, Viktor Boniface, added the fourth in the 69th minute.
The win boosted Leverkusen's points tally to 42, securing them the top spot in the league. In contrast, Bochum remained at 16 points, positioned 14th in the standings.
None could halt Leverkusen's campaign, as they remain undefeated in the league this season. The German league is set to resume on January 12th.
Bayern Munich continued their chase of Leverkusen with a challenging away win against Wolfsburg, scoring through Jamal Musiala (33) and Harry Kane (43), though Maximilian Arnold did manage to pull one back for the home side in the 45th minute.
With this win, Bayern Munich's point tally rose to 38, securing them second place, while Wolfsburg's points froze at 19, placing them tenth in the league.
Stuttgart also clinched a 3-0 victory over their visitors Augsburg.
The triumph catapulted Stuttgart into third place with 34 points, while Augsburg stayed in the eleventh spot on 18 points.
