Miguel Gutierrez and Patrik Schick fire Leverkusen past Leipzig

Patrik Schick continued his impressive start to the season by opening the scoring shortly before half-time, while Miguel Gutierrez added a second after the break to secure three important Bundesliga points.

Leipzig started brightly and created the better chances in the opening stages. Neil El Aynaoui forced a fine save from Mark Flekken with a powerful effort from a free-kick, before the Leverkusen goalkeeper again reacted quickly to keep out Ezechiel Banzuzi's long-range strike.

The visitors thought they had taken the lead in the 35th minute when Christopher Nkunku finished a quick attacking move, but the goal was ruled out after VAR showed Romulo had strayed offside in the build-up.

Leverkusen then punished Leipzig just before the interval.

Gutierrez delivered a dangerous cross from the left and Schick got in front of the defence to slide the ball home and give the hosts the lead.

Gutierrez then turned provider into goalscorer 12 minutes after the restart. After Leipzig failed to clear their lines, the Spanish left-back collected the loose ball and drilled a low shot from outside the box into the bottom corner.

Schick had a chance to add another soon afterwards, but his effort was too close to Maarten Vandevoordt.

The Czech Republic striker was eventually replaced, but Leverkusen remained in control despite late attempts from Leipzig to get back into the match.

Flekken was particularly pleased with Leverkusen's work without the ball.

"Defensively, we did exactly what we set out to do," the goalkeeper told DAZN. "The counter-pressing was good, we drew good fouls. We were very good defensively. It all came together."

Schick, who has now scored four goals in his first four league appearances, felt he could have added even more.

"I could have scored two or three more goals," he said.

"Unfortunately, the international break is on its way."

The victory moved Leverkusen up to fifth in the Bundesliga, while Leipzig were left frustrated after failing to turn their promising start into goals.

Leverkusen will now face a three-week break with several players away on international duty before returning to Bundesliga action at Mainz on Saturday, 10 October.